Jean M Podeswa

Jean Podeswa, known more lovingly as Gaga, entered into eternal life on Wednesday, June 24, 2020 in Melbourne, FL. She was born Minnie Jean Stikeleather on June 4th, 1926 in Arcadia, FL. She was the daughter of Luther Lee Stikeleather and Angeline Roberts. Jean met her future husband, Louis Anders Podeswa at a USO dance at the airfield in Arcadia, FL where he trained to be a pilot during WWII. After a whirlwind romance, they were married in Selma, AL on June 2nd, 1944. Soon after, Louis was deployed as a pilot to the Pacific for over a year. Once he returned they settled in Bethpage, NY where they lived for over 30 years. In 1980 they retired to Edgewater, FL for many years and then Melbourne for the last 19 years. Jean was known for her many talents, including sewing, woodworking, holiday decorating, gardening and catching fresh shrimp that they would share with family and friends. Many were blessed by her amazing sewing abilities and the beautiful blankets that she made. Jean was a devout Catholic who loved Jesus and His blessed Mother very much. Her faith was an integral part of her life. She and her husband taught religious education classes for many years at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Edgewater, FL. Jean’s family was her greatest achievement. She hosted family dinners almost every Sunday and on most holidays. She had a true servant’s heart and was always willing and able to help those in need. She was an avid gardener and even mowed her own grass until the age of 92. Jean is survived by her 5 children, Robert Louis (Jacqueline), Andrea Lee (Robert Groppe), Deborah Jean (Gerard Hempstead), Mary Theresa and Timothy Anders (Susan), 15 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren. She is predeceased by her husband, Louis and her granddaughter Heather Jean Marie. Her funeral mass will be held Wednesday, July 1, 2020 at 11:00 am at St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church in Viera, FL. In Lieu of Flowers please consider donations to "The Grotto of Our Lady" at St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church.