Jean M. Nudi

Jean M. Nudi was a vibrant woman who made others shine. She was faithful and loving, selfless and joyful. Wherever she went, she eagerly met people and was genuinely glad to have made a new friend. Known for her kindness and generosity, she used her creative talents to grace the lives of others. She took delight in giving handmade gifts to everyone she knew—even to strangers! The question can be asked, “Is there anyone who does not have a crocheted dishcloth made by Jean Nudi?” But the answer is, “Who doesn’t enjoy having been part of Jean’s wonderful life?”Jean’s story began as the United States was recovering from the First World War and experiencing growth in industry and employment. Women had finally won the right to vote and Harlem, New York was a-buzz with jazz, literature and art. Into this world of vitality and independence, Jean was born to Louis and Angeline (Mangie) Troy in Monaca, Pennsylvania on July 13, 1925.Jean showed a flare for art at an early age, and in adulthood she shared her artistic creations with many family and friends. She learned calligraphy, and for years she provided a valuable service to those who wanted a unique invitation or a fancy document made. Her talent in music was formed by singing in the church choir, playing piano and the drums in the Monaca High School Marching Band! After graduating with the class of 1944, Jean enrolled in Pittsburgh Art Institute and honed her skills to become a true artist.Jean’s other creative abilities could be seen in her houseplants and tasted in her cooking and baking. To say that she had a green thumb and could grow most anything was an understatement. By the time Jean reached her golden years, some of her plants had kept her company for over 50 years. Because she enjoyed celebrating and entertaining, she happily prepared wonderful meals and delicious treats. Her ability to whip up a batch of cream puffs was amazing, and friends and family often requested them for special occasions. To their further delight, Jean readily shared the cream puff recipe and other pastries. Not surprisingly, Jean liked trying different foods and was eager to seek out unusual cuisine. One day she even brought home chocolate covered ants for everyone to sample!Jean’s working career and volunteer commitments were also varied. She was employed with Hydril in Rochester, Freedom Area School District and Kaufmann’s Department Store in downtown Pittsburgh. She was a faithful member of St. Felix Parish in Freedom and a charter member of the parish choir. She was a former member of the parish council, a member and officer of Christian Mothers and the former St. Felix School PTG and a sacristan at the church. Jean was deeply committed to her faith and attended mass daily at St. Felix Church. She counted it a privilege to devote volunteer time to the ministries of the church, including assisting the nuns in the convent and substitute teaching at St Felix School when the nuns fell ill.Active in her community, Jean was a past member and officer of Freedom Women’s Club and served on the Freedom Memorial Day Committee. She was a member of the Beaver County Historical Research and Landmarks Foundation, which includes the preservation of the Captain William Vicary House. Jean was passionate about the preservation of the historical Vicary House in Freedom and volunteered countless hours to the mansion as a charter member of the foundation. Many joyful years were spent doing what she loved and working with a great staff.Jean also served as a board member for the Freedom Public Library and was a 60-year member of the Monaca Kardettes 500 Card Club as well as two other card clubs. A big part of her social life was spent with friends in her card clubs. She never lost the ability to play 500 Bid and played most recently with Bert, Shirley and Virginia of the Freedom Club at the Villa St. Joseph.How Jean found time to travel amid all her commitments only speaks to her boundless energy for life. It seemed her bags were always packed and she was ready to go! She enjoyed a few cruises, but her travels took her far and wide: Italy, Germany, Hawaii, New York, Las Vegas, Michigan, California, Arizona, Florida and Virginia. Closer to home, Jean didn’t mind popping down the streets of Pittsburgh for shopping trips with her daughters, going to Gimbels, Hornes and Kauffmans with lunch at the Tic Tock Shop.Truth be told, home was the perfect destination. Going to Jean’s parents for Sunday dinners in Zelienople was a family tradition for many years. There was never a holiday meal without gnocchi and stuffed artichokes, which continue to be a family favorite! Many grand memories of life on the Troy farm were shared for generations, and in years to come, the family will likely recall some of Jean’s classic sayings: \”Loverly; Dear Heart and Gentle People; I’ll be a monkey’s uncle; I’m so glad you met me,” which she said to everyone she met. To her son-in-law Luiz, Jean told him, “Buona notte Luiz”! every night before going to bed, and every morning when he entered her kitchen, she said, “Tutti mangia breakafast”! One of her favorite sayings she borrowed from her longtime neighbor, Jimmy \”Grandpa\” Farls: \”It’s tough when you get past 39.\” As for what Jean never said, the story went like this: She had surgery some 80 years ago in which a cow bone was used to mend her leg! It really was a cow bone, “But,” she insisted, \”I never said MOO!\”Jean’s lightheartedness and positive outlook on life was perhaps part of the reason she was able to survive breast cancer three times. She never complained for a moment and kept her spirits up at all times, which she attributed to her strong faith in God.Jean shared her love for God by loving others. She felt so at home in her neighborhood on the “hill” in Freedom that she considered everyone who lived there as her family. Jean was involved in social networking long before Facebook. She never needed a reminder of a friend or family birthday. She just picked up the phone or passed on a word of greeting or sat down and wrote a letter. In that way, Jean kept connected with her family and friends and kept them connected with each other. They will miss her dearly and remember her with deep affection and lasting joy.Jean M. (Troy) Nudi, 90, of Freedom, Pennsylvania and formerly of Monaca, passed away peacefully Monday afternoon, November 23, 2015 at The Villa St. Joseph of Baden.She leaves to remember and celebrate her life three daughters and a son, Lou Ann Nudi and her husband, Luiz Baccaro, of Freedom, with whom she resided, Cana Jean Nudi and her husband, Charles Mesing, of Tallahassee, FL, Lisa Nudi of Ashburn, VA and Jay Anthony Nudi and his wife, Beth Case, of Tampa, FL; a brother, Carl (Pat) Troy of Chippewa and many loving nieces and nephews.In addition to her parents, Jean was preceded in death by her husband Anthony Nudi in April 2000 and a brother and his wife, Richard and Charlene Troy.Friends will be received Saturday from 6 to 8 p.m. and Sunday from 1 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. in the Simpson Funeral & Cremation Services, 1119 Washington Avenue, Monaca, where parting prayers will be offered Monday at 9:45 a.m. followed by a mass of Christian burial at 10:30 a.m. at St. Felix Parish, Freedom.Interment will follow in Calvary Cemetery, where she will be laid to rest next to her beloved husband, Anthony.The family wishes to thank her caregivers, Rosa Lucente, Mary Noe, Phyllis Moore, and Harriett Weber and the staff of the Villas St. Joseph in Baden. The family has requested that monetary gifts in Jean’s memory be directed to the family to be shared with St. Felix Parish, The Villa St. Joseph and the Vicary Mansion.To share online condolences, get directions and other information, please visit simpsonfuneralhome.com.