Carmella J. Jirousek

CARMELLA J. "MEL” JIROUSEK (nee Bontempo) age 99, devoted wife for 62 years of the late William; loving mother of Bill (wife Carolyn), Mary Lee Hansmann (husband Jeff), Mike (wife Lauren), Patty Jirousek and Kathy Velotta (husband Chris); treasured mother-in-law of the late John Thellian; beloved grandmother and cherished “Nama” of Bill Jirousek (wife Amanda), Dave Jirousek (wife Sarah), Danielle Hansmann, Nicole Granke (husband Jeff), Megan Hansmann, Jim and Julianne Jirousek and Chris, Nick and Michael Velotta, proud great-grandmother of Katie Rose, Lilly, Violet and Gia Jirousek and Gabriel and Gregory Granke; cherished daughter of the late Vincenzo and Lena (nee Rinella) Bontempo; dearest sister of the late Angie Larrow (husband Joe deceased), Anthony “Nene” (wife Mickey deceased) and Rosemary Panzica (husband Nacy deceased), dear aunt, great aunt, cousin and friend of many.

Mel’s love of life and family is the legacy she leaves to her children, grandchildren and all who loved her. Mom and Dad loved spending summer vacations at Lakeside where four generations of family have gathered annually for the last 45 years.

She loved to babysit her grandchildren and was a good friend and confidante to her children. She listened to our secrets and shared our happy times. She taught us to love each other always.

The Jirousek’s were members of St. Margaret Mary Parish for 43 years and St. Clare Parish for 15 years.

Mel’s family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to Precious and Dianne from Hospice of the Western Reserve, who provided tender loving care to Mom and to all of us as well.

We are grateful to Karen and her team at Hummingbird Home Care who provided much-needed respite for Mom’s caregivers.

In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made in Mel’s memory to Hospice of the Western Reserve, 17876 St. Clare Ave., Cleveland, OH 44110. https://www.hospicewr.org

Mass of Christian Burial Wednesday, November 12, 2025, St. Francis of Assisi Church, 6850 Mayfield Rd., Gates Mills at 10AM. Burial following at All Souls Cemetery. Family and Friends are invited to celebrate Mel’s life at DeJOHN FUNERAL HOMES & CELEBRATIONS CENTER, 12811 CHILLICOTHE ROAD (Rt. 306, just south of Mayfield Rd.) Tuesday from 4-8PM.