Obituary of Jesselyn Joy Dudinsky

Jesselyn Joy Dudinsky, 82, of St. Petersburg, went to her eternal home on March 24th, 2023. She deeply loved her family, friends, community, and most of all, her Lord, Jesus Christ. Her children will always cherish the fact that she was surrounded by her family as she passed from this world to the next.  Jesselyn was also known as "Jessie" by the many people who loved her.  Born in St. Petersburg, FL on December 15th, 1940, she was raised in Gulfport, FL, where she met her future husband, John Dudinsky, in elementary school.  She and John became high school sweethearts, singing in the choir together at Boca Ciega High School (class of '58), and were married 3 years later. John and Jessie were by each others' side for almost 61 wonderful years, until John's death in August 2022.

Jessie graduated from St. Petersburg Junior College with an ASN in Nursing.  During John's service in the Navy, she worked at the Navy Base Hospital in Norfolk, VA as a nurse in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit. After their move back to St. Petersburg, Jessie devoted herself to raising 4 children, and being the best Mom, wife, and sailing crew on their beloved sailboat "Tinkertoy". She later entered a new career as a realtor, working for Century 21 Real Estate for 25 years.

As a student nurse at SPJC, Jessie was introduced to Beta Sigma Phi sorority. That would be the start of 60+ wonderful years with the Sunshine City Council.  She was a member of Beta Xi Master until her death. She held every chapter office except treasurer, chaired or served on every committee, was city council representative many times, and was chapter and council photographer for their many events. She was a Beta Bozo until 1991. She was honored to receive chapter Woman of the Year and Sweetheart many times, Order of the Rose, the Silver Circle, Golden Circle, and Diamond Circle.  Throughout her life, her sorority sisters were true "sisters", being there for every milestone in her life; every happiness, every sorrow. Her sisters were a true treasure, and so appreciated by her children!

John and Jessie enjoyed a full life together. They had wonderful memories of their adventures, which included several sailing trips to the British Virgin Islands and Tahiti, cruises touring Alaska and Europe, and a cross country road trip exploring America's National Parks.

During retirement, John and Jessie were active residents of the Five Towns Syracuse Building, with John being president of the community association for 10 years. Jessie served on the board, and was considered the "matriarch" of the building, always with a smile on her face and willing to do anything for her beloved friends and neighbors.  Jessie was "glass half full" her entire life. Forever the peacekeeper, she was always smiling, even while going through life's hardest challenges. Her strength and joy will live on in all of us, forever the shining light in our hearts.

Jesselyn was preceded in death by her parents, Perry Goodson Davis Sr and Catherine A. Davis, and siblings Perry Goodson Davis Jr,  Doris Davis Kimura,  Beverly Davis Branch,  and Patricia Davis Harris.

Jesselyn is survived by son John D. Dudinsky (Charlotte), daughter Karen E. Casler (Ken), son Michael T. Dudinsky (Kathy), and daughter Michelle J. Betros (John); 12 grandchildren- Jennifer Casler,  Holly Balonis (Jonathan),  Kevin Casler,  Avalon Meacham (Grant), Jesselyn Joy Dudinsky-Jackson (Cole),  Dana Dudinsky, John M. Dudinsky,  Joseph Betros, Emily Betros, Andrew Betros, Abigail Dudinsky, and Kayla Dudinsky; and 2 great grandchildren- Cody Balonis, and Piper Balonis. 

A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, May the 27th, 2023 from 2pm to 5pm, at the Magnolia Sun Center, Terrace Park of Five Towns, located at 7950 58th Avenue North, St. Petersburg, FL 33709.  

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Jessie's memory to either Suncoast Hospice, or the Lustgarden Foundation of Pancreatic Cancer Research.  https://events.lustgarden