Jessie M. G. Pettersen

Beloved matriarch of three generations, lifelong Islander, 97 Lifelong Staten Island resident Jessie M. G. Pettersen, 97 of Westerleigh, loving matriarch of three generations, died Sunday, March 12, in Staten Island University Hospital after a brief illness. Born and raised Jessie McLean Gray Ball on Staten Island, she graduated from New Dorp High School in 1944. Jessie was a retired secretary, and she was last employed for over two decades at the Seaman's Society for Children and Families in St. George. She was a talented needle craft artist creating original items for her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, as well as other family members and friends. Jessie enjoyed trips to casinos where she exhibited a natural talent for winning. She relished traveling with a special fondness for the Bahamas. Jessie loved to share her photos and stories of her 3 children, 3 grandchildren and 5 great-grandsons. Jessie was preceded in death by her husband, Gordon Pettersen in 2013. Surviving are her sons, Gordon Edward, Gary Douglas, and a daughter Cynthia Susan Reilly, 3 Grandchildren and 5 Great-Grandchildren. The wake will be Wednesday 3/15 with viewing times 2pm - 4pm and 6pm - 8pm. The funeral will be Thursday 3/16 at 9:30am in the Harmon Funeral Home, 571 Forest Ave. Burial will follow in Moravian Cemetery, New Dorp. Harmon Funeral Home 571 Forest Ave. Staten Island, NY 10310 718-442-5056