Our beloved mother and grandmother, Jesselyn (Jesse) Pugliese, passed away on Sunday, July 17, 2022 at the age of 85.

Jesselyn was born on December 25, 1936 to Byron and Wyla Jesselyn Johnson Nelson in Provo, Utah. She was their precious Christmas baby.

Jesselyn worked many years as a school lunch manager for Alpine School District. She loved to feed the kids and cheered many a hurting child with her kind words.

She met and married the love of her life, Jim Pugliese, in 1994 and they spent 27 happy years together. Their favorite pastimes were fishing, going to Wendover, playing Scrabble on the back deck, and teasing each other. Jim always said that Jesse kept him young with her many antics. They provided much laughter to each other and much care over the years. Jim passed away last year on September 27. I guess Jesselyn just couldn’t wait any longer to get back with him.

Jesselyn is survived by her children, Kristy Freeman (Gene) of West Jordan and Richard (Holly) Jensen of Helper. She is also survived by Jim’s children, Bernadette (Brad) Child of Price, Paul (Cathy) Pugliese of Price, and Jim (Georgeann) Pugliese of St. George. Together they had numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Byron and Wyla; and brothers, Byron Nelson and Nash Nelson.

A Celebration of Life service will be held for Jesselyn at New Life Ministries (5194 N. Highway 6, Helper, Utah) on Saturday, August 6, 2022 at 12:00 p.m. She will be interred at a later date at Springville City Cemetery, Springville, Utah.

Arrangements entrusted to Mitchell Funeral Home of Price where friends are always welcome daily and may share memories of Jesselyn online at www.mitchellfuneralhome.net.