Pietrina “Patricia” Francesca Palmisano, 75, of Fenton, MO, born on October 25, 1948, in Campobello di Mazara Sicily, died Friday August 9, 2024.
Pietrina was born in Sicily and immigrated to the United States at age 7 in 1955. Her family made their home on “the Hill” in St. Louis and she embraced her new American life, while keeping her Italian traditions and roots very much alive. She graduated from Southwest High School and then went on to learn the cosmetology trade. She became a skilled beautician, and her clients quickly became close and lifelong friends.
Pietrina married her husband Richard (Rich) in 1970 and they began their married life overseas in Germany, as he was stationed overseas during his Army service. After several years, they moved back home to St. Louis and settled in the Fenton, MO area, where they raised their family.
Pietrina was a very loving and generous person, and easily made friends with anyone she met. She was close with her 5 siblings all throughout her life, and loved travelling the world with her sisters, her husband and children. She lived life as a celebration and always had a huge smile and infectious laugh. She loved celebrating the holidays and would often be found in the kitchen making Caponatas at Easter, and Italian fig cookies and biscotti at Christmas. And in the spring and summer, you could find her tending to her large, beautiful garden, which would often inspire people passing by to stop and comment on how impressive it was. Whether in the garden, the salon, or throughout her life, Pietrina enhanced the beauty of all that was around her.
Pietrina’s greatest accomplishment was her family, having raised two children, Anthony and Lisa, with her husband Rich over 50 years of marriage. Her biggest joy later in life was her grandchildren – she loved travelling and watching movies with them and being a close part of their lives. Pietrina was a beloved “Maw Maw”, and all of her grandchildren loved her dearly. Her bright smile, sense of humor, and zest for life will be missed greatly by all.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Calogero and Liboria (nee Di Stefano) Caltagirone, her husband Richard, her sister and brother-in-law Margaret and Kenneth Jesuit, her sister Anna Maria Jahneke, and her brother Giovanni Caltagirone.
Pietrina is survived by her children Anthony (Rachel) Palmisano of Fenton, MO, Lisa Greathouse of Fenton, MO, her grandchildren Noah and Grace Greathouse and Jack, Mark, and Andrew Palmisano; her brother Philip (Joann) Caltagirone of Fenton, MO; her brother Victor (Donna) Caltagirone of St. Louis, MO; her brother-in-law Charles Jahneke of St. Louis, MO; her sister-in-law Cheryl Caltagirone of St. Louis, MO; Godson David (Anne Poston) Jesuit of Mt. Pleasant, MI; Goddaughter Kathryn (Peter) Bruntrager of Webster Groves, MO; Godson Anthony Cognata of St. Louis, MO; as well as many cousins, nieces, and nephews.
SERVICES: Visitation will be held on Monday, August 12, 2024 from 4 to 8 pm at Kutis Funeral Home in Affton, MO. Funeral mass will be held at Sacred Heart Valley Park on Tuesday, August 13, 2024 at 10 am. Private burial will follow at Jefferson Barracks for the immediate family at a later date.
Any memorial gifts may be made to the American Cancer Society.
Our deepest and sincere condolences to Anthony and Lisa and their families. Kathryn, Peter and I will greatly miss Aunt Pat. We enjoyed our time with her and her family. Aunt Pat loved being with Ollie, Hucky and Annie and had the biggest smile each time she saw them. During this difficult time we hope you find strength and peace during the next days, weeks and months. Aunt Pat will always be in our thoughts and hearts. With love to you both and your families, Uncle Chuck, Kathryn and Peter
Dear Anthony and Lisa, I know the two of have loved your precious Mom all your life. I first met your Mom when my daughter Julie was a flower girl in your parents wedding, your Mom was so easy to work with. Now it comes to full circle your parents, my Gene and Julie are all in heaven, singing with the angels God’s glory. May the entire family find peace in knowing the pain is over and they are at peace.
Dear Anthony and Lisa, we are so sorry for your loss, your mom was one of the sweetest and most loving people that I have ever meet. I wish I could be there, but you guys are in my thoughts and prayers. Love you guys always and forever.