Jean Rayda Clemente

After a brief illness and with family at her side, our matriarch, Jean Rayda Clemente, died on the morning of August 3, 2026, at 6:51am.

Born in Erie, Pennsylvania, on February 27, 1938, and raised by her single mother, Mildred (Millie) Moskot, Jean grew up with her older brother Edward and twin brother James in a small apartment on 6th and Sassafras Streets. Their tight-knit family survived the Great Depression, WWII, and a consequential strike at Erie Resistor Corporation, settled at the Supreme Court in favor of labor in 1963. One of Jean’s cherished childhood memories was joining thousands in Perry Square celebrating the end of WWII.

After graduating from Strong Vincent in 1955, Jean worked at several Erie businesses, sharing her grammatical expertise, impeccable shorthand, and blazing-fast typing skills. “Always use the Oxford comma.”

Married to Alexander O. Clemente in 1961, Jean raised three children—Salvantonio, Almitra, and Paolo —before returning to a career at the Erie County Courthouse and the Housing Authority of the City of Erie.

A unique woman—one of one—mother, tireless worker, watcher of children; an artist, a jazz singer, an admirer of antiquities, human achievement and the natural world; generous and kind, with perfect penmanship, a green thumb, and a designer’s eye. Fierce and loyal and always true to herself, she did not suffer foolishness, often laughed until she cried, and wept at the sight of the stars, and a fossil, and for others in times of empathy and joy.

Jean and Alex shared their passion for the arts with their children, who have had long careers in film and art, theatre and performance, and music and literature, supporting them from the beginning and enhancing their work to the last.

We thank all those who strove to help her, especially her aides, nurses and doctors, whom she trusted and adored and treated with respect, which they reciprocated.

Jean fought with everything she had to stay with us—a strength everyone should hope to emulate. Our hearts are broken but brimming over with pride, so join us in saying a prayer to the universe and raising a proverbial glass to Jean Rayda Moskot Clemente, February 27, 1938 - August 3, 2026.

We love you—Mom, Jeannie, Mamaw, and Gramma Jean—now and always, your children, Tim, Sal & Darcie, Almi & Shawn, and Paul; your grandchildren, Maria Mae & Craig Hamilton, Emma Rae, Séamus Alexander, and Lola Jean; and your extended family and dear friends.

She left us with three wishes: for a healthy planet, a healthy democracy, and love for all. We will all work to bring them to fruition and may the gentle thoughts of those who knew you ease you on your journey.

Join us for a memorial service celebrating Jean during the week of September 14 at Burton Quinn-Scott Cremation and Funeral Services, 602 W. 10th St., Erie (day and time to be shared here and on social media).