Jeanne Della Torre Crowe

Jeanne Anne Wagner was born in Cleveland, Ohio, in 1932 to Ferdinand and Mildred "Mae" Wagner. She grew up in a home that valued music, fueled by her father, an accomplished saxophonist. Jeanne's beauty and bright smile earned her a brief stint as a model in her teens; it's no wonder she caught the eye of a handsome Italian gentleman while roller skating at a friend's birthday party in the late 1940s. Jeanne and Frank Della Torre experienced love at first sight and were soon attached at the hip, enjoying dinner, dancing, and spending time with family. She became fast friends with Frank's sister Fannie and cousins Toni Marie and Nancy, learning the art of making fresh pasta and the spaghetti sauce recipe we all try (yet fail) to replicate. But Frank was drafted into the military and relocated, taking their love affair long distance for some time. They married promptly upon his return in 1952, soon welcoming Gene Michael, Julie, and Susanne into the DT family. Childhood in the DT house consisted of spending time with the Della Torre, Ross, Wagner, and Walsh families (and honorary family members like the Shorts, Zacheas, and Patty Murphy-Smith); attending school functions and football games at St. Ignatius; and entertaining friends for card games, dinner, and dancing. Jeanne was not just a devoted mother and caregiver to her aging parents but a dedicated working woman, having worked for decades at St. Ignatius High School as the assistant to its former president, Rev. Robert J. Welsh. S.J. Rev. Welsh was a regular fixture at family gatherings, which encouraged the family to be on its best behavior while enjoying merriment. Between the late 70s - 90s, the DT children began creating their own families, with Gene marrying Jo Ann Ibe, Susanne marrying Michael Fletcher, and Julie marrying Dennis Arnold. The grandbabies entered the scene throughout the years, first Susanne's daughter Sarah, then Gene's children Laura, Maria, Rachele, Frank, and Julia (and plentiful "great-grands" in recent years). Many cherished memories were made during family gatherings, especially summer days at Lake Erie on the Eyelander, Frank and Jeanne's boat, which was docked near dear friends Mark and Mary Fletcher's boat. The DT family lost its patriarch too soon, saying goodbye to our beloved father and grandfather, Frank, at 62 years old in 1992. Seeing Jeanne without her signature smile was unsettling, but her investment in her family's happiness encouraged her to heal as quickly as possible or at least put on a happy face. The family grew by leaps and bounds when Jeanne met her second husband, Pat Crowe. The union of these love birds required siblings and cousins to use flashcards to memorize the many names of their new family members. The DT family quickly embraced Lora, Tom, Robert, Patrick, Paul, John, Amy, and their partners and children, who welcomed them with warm hugs and brought much joy into Jeanne's life. Pat and Jeanne's many years together were spent under Arizona's stunning sunsets, playing competitive rounds of Rummikub. Between these adored husbands, Jeanne enjoyed a loving partnership with Gene Zacharyasz, whose children had gone to church and grade school with the DT kids long before. The DTs meshed quickly and seamlessly with the kind and lively "Zac" family. Mary Alice, B.J., Tony, Gene Jr., Michael, and their partners and children meant the world to Jeanne and remain dear to the entire DT family. A devout Catholic, Jeanne was a mother to everyone; unconditional love personified. If you needed her support - you got it. A warm meal? Grab a plate. A place to stay? It's yours. A kick in the pants? Say the word, and she'll lovingly put you in your place. You don't live 91 years as the charismatic, selfless, and fun-loving person Jeanne Della Torre Crowe was without making friends and adopting honorary children along the way. These beloved individuals held just as much room in her heart as her natural-born family. They were always welcome at Jeanne's expansive Italian feasts or iconic clam bakes (invitations to which were coveted throughout the Cleveland area). The sun will shine less brightly in a world without Jeanne's radiating smile, warmth, and compassion, and it's up to us to now sparkle brighter in her honor. A Western Union telegram from Mildred to Ferdinand during World War II reads, "Darling, seconds are centuries till you arrive." This is a feeling we can all relate to until we are one day reunited with our darling Jeanne.