Obituary of Jennie S. Cosenza

Jennie S. Cosenza, 97, of 18 Linwood Ave., Jamestown passed away Friday, April 26, 2019 at UPMC Chautauqua. A lifelong area resident, she was born in Jamestown on October 28, 1921, a daughter of the late Benedetto and Rose Defransisco Papa. Jennie was a 1939 graduate of Jamestown High School and would have observed the 80th anniversary of her high school graduation this year. For many years, she worked as a sales associate for Sears, at both the former Jamestown location and in Lakewood. Jennie was an avid reader and in the nice weather would be sitting on her porch reading or conversing with neighbors and friends. While she never learned to drive, there was no place that she couldn't get to either on foot or being driven by others. She loved watching sports, especially the Yankees and Buffalo Bills, and was a big Tiger Woods fan. She also kept her mind sharp by doing a crossword puzzle every day. In the roller skating heyday, she could be found at Evans Skateland grooving to the music. She was the matriarch of the Papa clan, and was an honorary Conti who attended all the Conti Family Reunions with her sister Ange from the early 60's through 2000. She will be remembered for her color coordinated outfits, neatly coiffed hair (Salon One Saturdays) and winning smile. Surviving are three sons: Dennis Mancari of Naples, Fl and Joe (Sean) Mancari and John Mancari, both of Sarasota, Fl; a grandson, Chris Mancari of Jamestown; and a brother, Anthony (Gayle) Papa of Claremont, CA. She is also survived by eleven nieces and nephews: John and Ben Conti, Patricia Smith, Bob and Dick Cusimano, Diane Wybanski, Susan Fox, Benedict, Anthony and Jamie Papa, and Pam Stevenson. Her great nieces and nephews include: Jeffrey Smith, Ryan, Steven, Alyssa, Deac and JR Conti, Kim Kane, Randi Ordtex, Steve, Rick, Fred, John and Chris Cusimano, and Karen Cusimano Peterson. She also had fifteen great-great nieces and nephews scattered across the county. She is also survived by her compassionate caregiver, Mary Vanderbosch. She was preceded in death in 1993 by her husband, Sandy Cosenza; a son, Sam Mancari; two sisters, Angeline Papa and Helen Cusimano; a brother, Angelo Papa; two nephews, Jerry Conti and Fred Cusimano; and two great nephews, Mark Cusimano and Kevin Smith. Following Jennie's wishes, funeral services and visitation will not be observed. Memorials may be made to St. James Church, 27 Allen Street, Jamestown, NY 14701.