Jessie A. Karish

Jessie A. Karish

Jessie A. Karish (nee Sanders), died of COVID-19 pneumonia at The Cleveland Clinic-Avon Hospital on January 23, 2022, under the care of Hospice.  She was born at her grandparents' home in Lorain, Ohio on January 16, 1931 and resided in Lorain County her entire life.

Jessie attended Lorain High School, but left in her senior year to care for a family member.  She was a wonderful cook and baker. While raising her children, she sold pastries at Jamie's and Medina Flea Markets, where customers would be waiting for her arrival each week.  Jessie was best known for her pizza, and opened a pizza house on East Erie Avenue called, "Jess's Pizza." Many of her customers became lifelong friends. She worked between The Roman Room, Mr. B's Dockside Cafe, The Castle on the Lake, and retired from Oberlin Inn.

Jess is a lifetime member of The First Congregational Church in Lorain, involved in many of its organizations and served as Deacon and Sunday School Superintendent. She was a production volunteer in the costume department for The Lorain Community Music Theatre when it was at The Palace Civic Center.  She volunteered for The Mary Lee Tucker Fund Clothe-A-Child throughout the years. She also was a longtime member of Epsilon Sigma Alpha sorority fundraising for St. Jude's Children's Hospital and other charitable organizations.

Jessie is survived by her daughter, Barbara (John) Spaich of Avon Lake and son, Kenneth (Dawn) Karish of Lorain. She is also survived by her grandchildren, Robbie, Raeann, Rebekah, and Christopher and her niece, Laurie.

Jessie was preceded in death by her son, Robby Karish of Naples, Florida; mother, Helen Griffith; sister, Laura Hultai; and brother, Kenny Sanders, who, sadly, was killed by a car at the age of three. She was also preceded in death by her former husband, Bob, and his wife, Paula (nee Wilker) Karish.

Memorial contributions can be made to The Lorain County Animal Protective League, 7202 Murray Ridge Road, Elyria, Ohio 44035.

Arrangements by Wyers-Bollinger Funeral Chapel.

A private service and burial was held at Ridge Hill Memorial Park, Amherst.