Jessie Viola Desadier (Summers) passed away on May 15th, 2025 surrounded by family at Mad River Community Hospital.

Jessie was born on April 30th, 1943, in Santa Rosa, CA to Ray and Viola Summers. Shortly after she was born the family relocated to Samoa, Calif., where Jessie would spend her childhood. Jessie was a middle child of 7. As a young child one of her fondest memories was when she and her siblings would ride the ferry to Eureka from Samoa to watch movies at the local theater before the bridge was constructed in 1971. She also loved playing on the log decks in the area.

She later attended Arcata High School. After high school she was blessed with two sons, Rodney Summers and Mark Maillie. She spent some time working at Weatherby’s, a restaurant, as a dishwasher. After working at Weatherby’s, she spent 10 years working at Crestwood Manor as a beloved nurse’s aide, but later settled on becoming a homemaker after her first grandchild was born.

In her spare time Jessie enjoyed traveling and visiting family. One of her favorite trips she ever took was a cruise to Alaska. She often told stories of her adventures there. She also enjoyed crafting and camping with her friends Ardith and Stacey.

Jessie was always known for also having the newest and coolest video games. Many of her grandchildren recall the hours of playing video games at her house. When she wasn’t spending time with her grandchildren, she also enjoyed gardening. Her garden was always full of plants and well maintained.

What her whole family remembers most about Jessie was her love for her cats. The last two cats she had, Regina and Slinky, were her best friends. She often took care of all the cats in any neighborhood she lived in.

Jessie is preceded in death by her parents Ray and Viola Summers, sisters Beth Harrison and Paulina Shipman, brothers Larry and Lester Summers, and son Mark Maillie.

Jessie is survived by son Rodney Summers, brothers Danny and Doug Summers, sister-in-law Leilani Summers, daughter-in-law Shirley Maillie, grandchildren Kelly Summers (Danielle), Stephanie Summers, Kyle Summers, Max Maillie (Catrina), Rex Maillie, Lindsey Ingraham (Grady), and great-grandchildren Cameron Hubbard, Olivia Summers, Tristian Reynolds and Jaxson Maillie.

The family would like to give a special thank you to the Arcata Fire Department and Mad River Ambulance for their prompt responses over the years, and their kindness and understanding. We would also like to thank Mad River hospital for making her comfortable and their kindness to the family during a very difficult time.

A celebration of life will be held at Pierson Park in McKinleyville on July 12th from 1-3 pm. We will provide hog dogs, hamburgers, and drinks. Please bring a chair, side dish, and a story about Jessie you would like to share.

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The obituary above was submitted on behalf of Jessie Viola Desadier’s loved ones. The Lost Coast Outpost runs obituaries of Humboldt County residents at no charge. See guidelines here. Email news@lostcoastoutpost.com.