It is with heavy hearts and great affection that the family of Jean K. Drizos announces her peaceful passing to heaven on July 5th, 2025. Jeannie was born in Clarksburg, WV, on October 18th, 1928, to Emmanuel and Domna (Morphidis) Kaites. In 1950, she married the love of her life, James Drizos, and the two embarked on a full, loving life together before his premature passing in 1995.
Jean’s selfless life centered around her family, her faith in God, and her many friendships. The baby of the family, she grew up during the Great Depression, and when she was old enough to work in the family’s restaurant (10 or 11 years, we are told), her work ethic was solidly cast. After graduating from high school in Clarksburg, WV, Jeannie attended West Virginia University. And then, at a Greek social event, she met Jim Drizos from Monessen, PA, and man, was her world about to change. In 1950, Jim and Jean wed and embarked on fulfilling the American dream. The loving couple were partners and co-owners in the family business, American Cleaners, a dry cleaning and laundry establishment that thrived in the Mon-Valley for over 40 years. Along the way, they made Belle Vernon/Rostraver Twp. their home while the devoted couple raised four children. Jeannie was a working mom who managed the household while guiding and nurturing her children to seek happiness and advance themselves in life. During this time, she worked and promoted the family business.
Jean’s foremost passion in life was undoubtedly her family. Hosting gatherings (which always centered around food and drink) with her children, grandchildren, and extended family provided her with comforting joy. Known for her relentless work ethic, she instilled in her children the importance of “showing up, stepping up, and finishing the job.” Throughout her cherished life, Jeannie was a mover and had difficulty sitting still. For her, there was always either something productive that needed to be accomplished, someone to care for, or fun to be enjoyed. Jeannie was a member of the St. Spyridon Greek Orthodox Church in Monessen, PA; the Ladies Philoptochos Society; a Sunday School teacher in her early years; and she actively volunteered to prepare and work at the church’s annual Greek Festivals well into her early ’90s. And in what was nearly a century’s lifetime, Jean enjoyed gardening, sewing, playing bridge, reading, cooking (she could make a mean tray of grape leaves), and shopping. Mom considered shopping to be both a social and a fitness activity – the convenience of online shopping did not impress her.
Jean will be fondly remembered as a loyal daughter, a loving and supportive wife, a caring sister, a beloved aunt, and a dear friend. But most of all, she will be remembered as a selfless, loving mom and Yiayia, roles she cherished. Jean treasured her Greek heritage and was a devout Christian with an immense love for the church. She expressed her heartfelt gratitude to the many parishioners of the Monessen St. Spyridon Church for their support and love throughout the years, especially the warmth and care they provided her after the passing of her beloved husband Jim.
In addition to her parents and adoring husband Jim, Jean was preceded in death by her sister, Mary Kaites-Laskey, her brothers Peter E. Kaites and John E. Kaites, as well as an infant brother and sister. She is survived by her four children, George (Betsy) Drizos of Macungie, PA; Diane (Robert) Marasti of Mt. Lebanon, PA; James (Jennifer) Drizos of Charlotte, NC; and Christina (companion Richard Depew) Drizos of Penn Hills, PA.; three grandchildren, Kate D. Cavell of Newton, MA, James Marasti of Lawrenceville, PA, and Rob (Janel) Marasti of Mt. Lebanon, PA; one precious great granddaughter, Jade Calia Marasti of Mt. Lebanon; and numerous nieces and nephews.
As we bid goodbye to Mom's earthly existence and celebrate a life well-lived, her grateful and loving children hope that she is enjoying one of Dad's signature Gin n’ Tonics with family and friends in heaven.
Friends will be received on Wednesday from 2 to 4 P.M. and 6 to 8 P.M. in the Ferguson Funeral Home and Crematory, Inc., 700 Broad Avenue, Belle Vernon. 724-929-5300. www.FergusonFuneralHomeandCrematory.com. Additional visitation will be held at St. Spyridon Greek Orthodox Church in Monessen on Thursday from 9:30 to 10:30 A.M., the time of service with Father Meletios Gianniodis officiating. A Trisagion service will be held prior to the funeral service. Interment will follow in Belle Vernon Cemetery.
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