The obituary for Betty Case of Poland began: “If you happened to be awake in the wee hours Thursday morning, Feb. 3, 2022, and your ears were turned skyward, you may have heard a faint sound of giggling. Betty Case, 89, you see, had arrived in heaven and she had with her the sunny, funny disposition for which she was known, along with her endless supply of corny jokes and silly sayings.”

The tribute published Feb. 10 in The Vindicator was written by Cheryl Case, Betty Case’s “favorite daughter” (all four daughters were listed as the “favorite daughter,” just the way Betty introduced them to friends).

“She just believed in laughing as much as you could about anything. Sometimes, I got annoyed by that. When we were trying to have a serious discussion, she’d make a joke,” Cheryl said. “I could have learned a lot from her about having a positive attitude.”

More and more, obituaries published in the Tribune Chronicle and The Vindicator showcase the loved one’s personality, offbeat hobbies, unusual accomplishments and claims to fame. Reading obituaries can feel like meeting interesting friends you wished you had known, or learning amazing new facts about people you did know.

The Oct. 3 obituary of Dean H. Jaech, 78, of Lordstown, notes that “Some of the proudest moments of his life came in his retirement years, when he was a member of the Northeast Ohio Dukes, playing the role of the ‘venerable Uncle Jesse’ in the Hazzard County Stunt Show.” The obituary photo shows Jaech in his “Uncle Jesse” costume.

The Jan. 18 obituary of Mary L. Jenkins-Smith, 76, of Youngstown, tells us, “Mary absolutely loved Christmas time! It was her favorite time of the year. She actively turned into a little girl every holiday season. She would go above and beyond to ensure that her children had the BEST Christmas holiday without fail.”

The photo with the tribute shows her wearing a Santa Claus hat while posing in front of a decorated Christmas tree.

The Jan. 12 obituary of Dolores “Dee” Capan, 91, of Howland, tells the world that “In 1950, Dee and her father decided to take up golf. She said that back then, no one took lessons; you just went out and played. And played she did, recording seven career aces, something usually afforded only to golf pros.

“Her first hole-in-one came in 1960 at the former Eastwood Golf Course. Her seventh ace came some 28 years later, in 1998, at a course in Florida. Dee called them all ‘lucky shots.'”

The obituary for Diana Whitaker, 75, of Youngstown, notes that “She was a dog mom to a mean little dog named Pancho Whitaker, but he sure loved her and her magical back rubs!”

Kelly Becker of the Davis-Becker Funeral Home in Boardman said of the art of the obituary: “It’s the biggest thing we can do for the family next to making their family member look good.”

It starts with the basics — when and where born, occupation, parents’ names, children’s names and so on.

“Then we take it further — hobbies, personality, what they’re known for,” Becker said. “We ask a lot of questions and it turns into the story.

“The most time-consuming part of making arrangements is the obituary. By the end of arrangements, we know the family very well.”

The funeral home usually writes the obituary, then sends it to the family for tweaks, revisions and additions, Becker said. Sometimes, as with the Betty Case obituary, the family writes their own.

“One person wrote his own obituary from the first person point of view. It was comical,” Becker said. “When he died, we pulled it out and used it. One paragraph started, ‘It’s my life, so it’s fitting that I have the last word.'”

Jim McKnight, funeral director at Lane Funeral Homes, Roberts-Clark Chapel, in Warren, said, “One of things I tell family is this isn’t a eulogy. It’s not meant to define their life, but to remind people of who they were.

“It’s being economical with your words but painting a pretty good picture,” he said.

What makes a good obituary? “For me, it’s the ones that are written off the cuff, not written and gone over and over again,” McKnight said. “They haven’t had a chance to ruminate on it. It’s interesting to hear what they have to say. It’s more true. It just tells you who the person was.”

Cheryl Case, a copywriter from Raleigh, N.C., said the tribute to her mother actually started with her father’s obituary two years ago. She sat down to work on a fill-in-the-blank form that a funeral home had given her.

“It’s like a resume. It’s not the same as telling who the person is, and what he’s about,” she said.

That’s why the obituary for Raymond Wilbur Case, who passed away at age 91 on Sept. 5, 2019, includes paragraphs such as, “The day after graduating from Boardman High School in 1946, Ray enlisted in the Army. He was eventually stationed in the Philippines as an MP (Military Police) — a role that amazes everyone who knew Ray and his sweet demeanor. A cop? Not Ray!”

Cheryl wanted the obituary to note the integrity of her father, a guy who “until essentially losing his eyesight a few years ago, he read the Bible from cover to cover every year for 40 years.

“In his actions, Ray never, ever departed from his beliefs. He was a man who lived his faith, every day and in every way. His quiet strength, gentle ways, generosity, humility, honesty and integrity were well known among his family and friends. His love and loyalty were absolutely unconditional.”

For her mother, she wrote, “In 1951, Betty married Ray Case of Boardman. Many a new wife would be terribly upset about the ensuing honeymoon, but Betty, true to her ability to find humor in most any situation, always laughed when she told the story of their wedding trip: a trip to Niagara Falls, in January, in a blizzard, with at least one night spent at the home of one of Ray’s aunts.

“Clearly, Betty was also a forgiving person — their marriage, begun in snow and ice was grounded in their Christian faith. It endured for 68 years and was rock solid.”

She also wrote, “None of this is meant to imply that Betty didn’t have her feet squarely on solid ground. She was earnest and sincere about her faith, about her role as wife and mother, and about being wherever she was needed. She faced her share of sadness, pain, and hardship; it’s just that she preferred smiles to frowns, laughter to long faces, and just plain enjoyed making people laugh (and that’s surely what she’s doing now in heaven).”

Cheryl’s advice: “Don’t just fill in the form at the funeral home. Try to figure out the things that people said about them in life, what you remember.” Find the essence of the person — whether it’s the integrity of her dad or the laughter of her mother — and write that, she said.

Or, as in the Feb. 2 obituary for Felicia E. MacMillan, 82, of Howland, after the obituary described her gift as a master weaver, the family wrote: “She would never take money for her weaving because she felt God gave her the skill and allowed her to do what she loved most.”

Tell what they loved the most.

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Following are excerpts from obituaries published recently in the Tribune Chronicle and The Vindicator:

11/7/21

Donald E. Corbett, 1934-2021

ESTERO, Fla. — Donald E. Corbett, 87, of Estero, Fla. and longtime native of Youngstown / Austintown, passed away peacefully with his family by his side Wednesday, Nov. 3, 2021. Mr. Corbett was born Oct. 6, 1934, on a small farm in Girard, a son of the late Charles F. Corbett and Edna M. Durkin Corbett.

… For many years, Don was well known for his yearly Santa Claus visits to area children and a number of adult friends he turned into renewed believers of Ol’ Saint Nick. On one special Christmas Eve, his Rudolph ran off with the sled, leaving Santa stranded in the snow, only to be located at “The Manor” having some Christmas cheer.

His most recognized attribute was his jovial and friendly disposition, always treating others as his equal, and always the go-to guy in a time of need (including a few bail bonds for wayward acquaintances who ran afoul of the law).

1/23/22

John F. Kezele, 1948-2022

NEWTON FALLS — John Frank Kezele, 73, of Newton Falls, passed peacefully on Tuesday, Jan. 18, 2022, at Washington Square Veterans facility in Warren.

… He served in Vietnam, from 1967 to 1968, where he was wounded in action, received the Purple Heart, the Vietnam Service Medal with 3 Stars, along with other awarded medals. John was honorably discharged June 6, 1969.

For the next 20 years or so, he worked his way traveling around the world three times — from Great Britain through Central Europe, Greece to Southeast Asia, Bali to Australia, Puerto Rico to Mexico and across the United States. John had the opportunity to run with the bulls in Spain and worked at a Kibbutz in Israel, just to mention a few of his experiences. He loved the beach best of all, saying “What a life — on Bali.”

He held a variety of jobs, mostly in order to pay for travel in his early adult years. Later, he worked to achieve his lifelong dream of owning a sailboat — and he achieved it.

Everything John did in life was an adventure and last Tuesday he sailed off on his next one.

1/23/22

Phyllis Y. Whaley Sprankle, 1952-2022

NEWTON FALLS — Phyllis Y. Whaley “Mom” Sprankle passed away peacefully and was called into eternal rest at the age of 69, at her residence on Thursday, Jan. 20, 2022. She was the youngest child born to Willie Mae Whaley and Marvin Lee Whaley.

… Phyllis has always loved Elvis, owls, Coca-Cola, Donald Duck, bingo, slot machines, the lottery, dancing, Reese’s cups, and her family. In the last several years, she had become very fond of Mountain Dew.

… To know mom was to know the saying, “A bushel and a peck and a hug around the neck.” That was one of her many ways of saying I love you. … Phyllis did not only raise her four girls to be strong, independent women, but she also raised many generations in Newton Falls with the love and advice she gave out to so many. If you were a friend, you knew you had a place to go. Mom always had a pillow and blanket if you needed it. A friend said it best when she said, “Mom always knew.” She knew when something was wrong, she knew if you needed a hug, or needed to be set straight. Mom just knew and mom was ALWAYS there. We know OUR mom will live on in all of our hearts, stories and memories for many generations to come and will be there with all of us.

10/29/21

Carl Alexoff, 1928-2021

HADDONFIELD, N.J. — Carl Alexoff, 93, engineer, lottery pioneer, entrepreneur and Navy veteran, died at home Sunday, Oct. 24, 2021.

… While in the Navy and working on a classified project, he received his first patent on tracking moving targets from an aircraft.

… Carl always said that after leaving the Navy, he had two careers that involve gambling: getting to the moon and developing the lottery system. … He received NASA’s Award of Excellence for his contributions on the Apollo XI moon landing mission and on the Project Ranger unmanned space project that mapped the surface of the moon in search of Apollo landing sites.

Later, during a career at Mathematica (Princeton, N.J.) he played a major role in the introduction and growth of public lotteries in North America as VP of operations and then president of its worldwide lottery business.

1/2/22

David E. Bagnoli, 1965-2021

AUSTINTOWN — David Edward Bagnoli, 56, passed away Monday, Dec. 27, 2021, at St. Elizabeth Youngstown Hospital, from heart failure and battling a lung infection (unrelated to COVID-19).

… In 1999, at the late age of 34, he enlisted in the Navy and served as a Navy airman. His job title was aviation maintenance administrator aboard the USS George Washington 73 combat vessel. One of the most memorable times of his service was when the carrier ship was deployed to the New York Harbor during the 911 terrorist attacks. His ship was providing protection and air defenses for the harbor and the city of New York.

10/17/21

Joseph L. Dowdell, 1935-2021

YELLOW SPRINGS — Joseph L. Dowdell, 86, two-term mayor and longtime resident of Yellow Springs, passed away Wednesday, Oct. 6, 2021, at Miami Valley Hospital in Dayton after a brief illness.

Born Aug. 4, 1935, in Auburn, Ala., and raised in Auburn and Warren, Joe was the oldest son of Vanderbilt and Millie P. Dowdell.

Joe attended Warren G. Harding High School, where he excelled in academics. He went on to earn a Bachelor of Science degree in mathematics from Miami University of Ohio and a Master of Science degree in systems engineering from MIT. Over a nearly 40-year career in computer science, Joe rose through the ranks of the Air Force Civilian Service to become technical director, 88th Communications Group, at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base in Dayton,where he managed virtually every aspect of computer technology and supported the Aeronautical Systems Center, Air Force Materiel Command and the U.S. Department of Defense. He retired from Wright-Patterson in 1997.

1/12/22

Ann Camisa Guarnieri, 1927-2022

WARREN — Ann Camisa Guarnieri, 94, passed away peacefully Saturday morning, Jan. 8, 2022, at her home with family members at her side.

She loved acting and was one of the original members of the community Trumbull New Theatre, acting in plays from the 1950s to the 1980s. She particularly enjoyed performing with Austin Pendleton in the play “The Seagull.” We believe she was the last living member of the original TNT Players.

1/11/22

Delores Mae Thomas, 1968-2021

BOARDMAN — Delores Mae Thomas 53, transitioned from this earthly life Tuesday, Dec. 28, 2021, in Boardman.

Delores, known for her “perfect ham,” was born Feb. 29, 1968, in Louisville, Ky. … She loved traveling, shopping, cooking, spending time with family and friends and creating educational ideas and programs for students. She gave back by tutoring others while attending school herself.

1/12/22

Pauline J. Lesh, 1938-2022

CHAMPION — Pauline J. Lesh, 83, of Champion, entered peacefully into eternal life with her family at her side 11:11 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 8, 2022, at O’Brien Memorial Health Care Center in Masury, under the comforting care of hospice.

Affectionately known as “Polly Jo” or “Polly” by her family and friends … She was a member Youngstown Cursillo Club and was an Associate of Sisters of Notre Dame. She enjoyed sewing, doing ceramics, baking and cooking and she traveled the world from here to Guam and back. Polly had a fondness for collecting cook books and enjoyed shopping on QVC no matter the cost.

2/1/22

Vincenzina A. Montevideo, 1933-2022

NILES — Vincenzina “Vicky” Antonia Carabetta Montevideo, 88, peacefully passed away Saturday, Jan. 29, 2022, with her loving family by her side. Vicky will always be remembered and loved for her generosity and smile.

She was born March 26, 1933, in S. Giovanni di Gerace, Reggio Calabria, Italy, the daughter of Giuseppe and Rosa Papandrea Carabetta. Vicky immigrated to the United States in 1953 with her daughter, Linda, and loved her adopted home.

… Vicky was a true matriarch and always made her family her top priority. She was the most amazing cook and was well known for her unsurpassed homemade cavatelli and meatballs, manicotti, pizza and Christmas zippoli. She enjoyed sharing the food she had prepared with her family, neighbors and friends. Anyone who visited her home never left without having a cup of coffee and a homemade pastry.

1/12/22

Ann Camisa Guarnieri, 1927-2022

WARREN — Ann Camisa Guarnieri, 94, passed away peacefully Saturday morning, Jan. 8, 2022, at her home with family members at her side.

She loved acting and was one of the original members of the community Trumbull New Theatre, acting in plays from the 1950s to the 1980s. She particularly enjoyed performing with Austin Pendleton in the play “The Seagull.” We believe she was the last living member of the original TNT Players.

1/11/22

Delores Mae Thomas, 1968-2021

BOARDMAN — Delores Mae Thomas 53, transitioned from this earthly life Tuesday, Dec. 28, 2021, in Boardman.

Delores, known for her “perfect ham,” was born Feb. 29, 1968, in Louisville, Ky. … She loved traveling, shopping, cooking, spending time with family and friends and creating educational ideas and programs for students. She gave back by tutoring others while attending school herself.

1/12/22

Pauline J. Lesh, 1938-2022

CHAMPION — Pauline J. Lesh, 83, of Champion, entered peacefully into eternal life with her family at her side 11:11 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 8, 2022, at O’Brien Memorial Health Care Center in Masury, under the comforting care of hospice.

Affectionately known as “Polly Jo” or “Polly” by her family and friends … She was a member Youngstown Cursillo Club and was an Associate of Sisters of Notre Dame. She enjoyed sewing, doing ceramics, baking and cooking and she traveled the world from here to Guam and back. Polly had a fondness for collecting cook books and enjoyed shopping on QVC no matter the cost.

2/10/22

Maria Rose Armstrong, 1940-2022

AUSTINTOWN — Maria Rose Armstrong, a beloved wife, mother, sister, grandmother and friend during her incredible 81 years of life, passed away peacefully into the arms of the Lord on Friday, Feb. 4, 2022, surrounded by her family.

… Her father came to America in 1955, and at the age of 18, Maria bravely joined her family in 1958. Maria worked as a seamstress while learning the English language. She worked at a local favorite Italian specialties store for more than 20 years as a baker. From this experience and her Italian heritage, she developed a passion for baking and cooking for her loved ones and continued these traditions with her family.

2/4/22

Lucille Gillespie, 1947-2022

GIRARD — Minister Lucille Gillespie, 74, was escorted through the Heavenly Gates by God’s angels on Saturday, Jan. 29, 2022, while at St. Elizabeth Youngstown Hospital.

… Lucille was a member of Progressive Baptist Church in Warren. She was a former member of Faith Temple Missionary Baptist Church, where she sang in the choir and was choir director, as well as serving on the deaconess board; the Word Church of Faith in Liberty Township; and Community Church of God in Campbell. She also loved her street ministry, “T.H.U.G.,” which sought to seek the lost beyond the physical church walls. She was a member of the Baptist Ministers Wives. Minister Lucille loved singing, cooking, sewing, needlepoint and puzzles, and enjoyed painting art and cleaning.

1/26/22

Marika E. Sarkos, 1931-2022

BROOKFIELD — Marika Evdokia Zervos Sarkos, 90, passed away as the snow gently fell at her home, Sunday, Jan. 23, 2022, surrounded by her family and embraced in love. Marika’s life was defined by her uncommon strength and dedication to family. There was no sacrifice she failed to make for those she loved, even in her final days.

… Raised during World War II, Marika began working at age 15 to help her family during difficult economic times. She stayed close to home and attended Youngstown State University in order to help with the care of her beloved sister, Evangeline, who had been stricken with an advanced form of multiple sclerosis. After graduation, Marika became an elementary school teacher and taught at schools in Lake Milton and Youngstown.

… Hand in hand, Marika and Lou raised and educated five children (two doctors, two lawyers and a schoolteacher) teaching them to work hard, strive for truth and excellence, and never forget their Orthodox faith and Greek heritage.

… For over 50 years, no matter how tired she was, Marika opened her home for every holiday (Pascha, Thanksgiving and Christmas, at a minimum) and prepared delicious, home-cooked meals and Greek pastries for 30-40 people to ensure her extended family and friends stayed close and could gather together to celebrate life and family.

1/25/22

Willard Gordon Duff, 1936-2022

KERRVILLE, Texas — On Friday, Jan. 21, 2022, Willard Gordon Duff passed away due to various medical conditions. He was 85. Willard was born March 30, 1936, in Warren to Craig and Lillian Duff.

… Willard was a lifelong barbershop chorus singer, first with the Stephen Foster Chorus in Warren, and then with the San Antonio Chordsmen. He recently celebrated 61 years as a member of the Barbershop Harmony Society. An avid punster, Willard was known for his corny quips and rarely missed an opportunity for word play — in conversation or Facebook comments.

1/16/22

Cheryll S. Gibson, 1948-2022

BERLIN CENTER — Cheryll S. “Cherie” Gibson, 73, passed away Thursday morning, Jan. 13, 2022, with her family by her side.

… Two of her favorite sayings were, “Solve the problem” and “take the next step.” Cherie was a mother figure, teacher and mentor to many, and if you got out of line, she would let you know with just a look to set you straight.

… She enjoyed planning family parties and picnics and was always the first to arrive and the last to leave. She had to make sure she got to spend time with everyone.

In 2002, Cherie and Roy started Blue Rose Transportation, Inc., a trucking company, fulfilling a lifelong dream of having a family business. Having been in trucking since the age of 19, she set out to prove that women can be successful in a male-dominated field, and do so with honesty and integrity. She was strong willed, determined, resourceful and hardworking. If she put her mind to it, she conquered it.

In elementary school, her friends formed a group named J.U.G.S. (Just Us Girls). The J.U.G.S. have remained in contact and get together whenever they can. They take yearly trips to various locations, including a trip to Italy to celebrate the year they all turned 50. These friendships meant the world to her.

1/17/22

Wayne C. Greenwood Jr., 1933-2022

GREENSBURG, Pa. — Wayne C. Greenwood Jr., 88, or “Bud,” as he was fondly known, passed away Wednesday, Jan. 12, 2022, in Greensburg, Pa.

He was born July 26, 1933, in Greene, the son of the late Wayne C. Greenwood Sr. and Mary E. Jervis Greenwood of Mecca.

Bud’s two biggest loves in his life were his cattle ranch “B-J Ranch” in Fort Meade, Fla., which he started and operated with his wife, Jean B. Greenwood, for many years, and his career as an automobile dealer, which he began by working alongside his father, Wayne C. Greenwood Sr., in the family business, Greenwood Auto in Cortland.

… He enjoyed many years as a rancher and would host an annual “Barn” party for family and many friends alongside his wife, Jean.

Bud was also a proficient airplane pilot who held an instrument license as well as a multi-engine aircraft license. He owned and flew a number of single-engine and multi-engine airplanes during his lifetime.

He was an avid fisherman and hunter, having taken many Canadian float plane fly-in fishing trips and South Dakota pheasant hunting trips with both his family and friends.

1/16/22

Susan M. Kishel, 1950-2022

STRUTHERS — Susan Marie Kishel, 71, born Feb. 1, 1950, passed peacefully Monday, Jan. 10, 2022.

Sue was a dedicated and loving mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, daughter and sister. Nothing was more important to her than family. She demonstrated tenacity and resilience throughout her life. Even after disabilities made her unable to work, Sue remained dedicated to the underserved, disabled and elderly, notably bringing social and recreational activities, and even mobile medical services, to seniors in an impoverished area of Youngstown. Crafty, creative and resourceful, Susan was an excellent cook, who, like her mother, shared her food, creations and joy with everyone around her. Sue’s love lives on.

1/2/22

Donald L. Hart, 1954-2021

BRONX, N.Y. — Donald Lee Hart, 67, entered heaven Friday, Dec. 24, 2021.

… Donnie was a 1972 graduate of Struthers High School. He was a member of the marching band while a student at Struthers High School. He was a talented musician who could play any instrument well. Donnie also was a graduate of Youngstown State University with a degree in electrical engineering tech after beginning his studies at the Dana School of Music as a scholarship recipient. He was a veteran of the Air Force.

In 2005, Donnie moved to New York City to pursue his musical dreams. He often struggled in pursuit of those dreams, but had many adventures chasing them. He was a kind soul who loved to meet new people.

2/5/22

Lethonia Howard Herron, 1928-2022

WARREN — Lethonia Howard Herron, 93, of 1420 Fourth Drive SW, departed this life Monday, Jan. 24, 2022, at 7:45 p.m., at Ohio Living Lake Vista Nursing Center, following complications from an extended illness.

… For 30 years, Mrs. Herron gifted the public with her cooking abilities at Eli’s Famous Barbecue. Community members from surrounding states would travel to indulge in her cooking, experience her winning smile, and even receive a hug.

10/3/21

Dean H. Jaech, 1943-2021

LORDSTOWN — Dean Howard Jaech, age 78, of Lordstown, passed away Friday, Sept. 24, 2021, while in the Louis Stokes VA Hospital in Cleveland.

… Dean was proud to have served in the United States Navy, during the war in Vietnam. Dean had a passion for restoring and racing cars and was proud to be the founding father of the New Jersey Association of Corvair Enthusiasts. Dean loved to drive and spent most of his life as a professional truck driver. He used to say,”If you bought it, I brought it!”

… Some of the proudest moments of his life came in his retirement years, when he was a member of the Northeast Ohio Dukes, playing the role of the “venerable Uncle Jesse” in the Hazzard County Stunt Show. He was extremely proud and honored to be included in this talented group of men and women.

2/8/22

Diana Whitaker, 1946-2022

YOUNGSTOWN — Diana Whitaker, 75, died Sunday, Feb. 6, 2022, at Austinwoods.

… She was a dog mom to a mean little dog named Pancho Whitaker, but he sure loved her and her magical back rubs!

To say the least, she was a special kind of aunt. She was a superhero to some people. Not all heroes wear capes.

1/28/22

Mary L. Jenkins-Smith, 1945-2022

YOUNGSTOWN — Mary Louise Jenkins-Smith, 76, entered into eternal heavenly rest Thursday, Jan. 13, 2022, after three-plus years of declining health, a brief illness, and subsequent hospitalization at St. Elizabeth Boardman Hospital.

… A lowly, humble soul, Mary also thoroughly enjoyed attending thrift stores, local community kitchens, food pantries and clothing giveaways, where she met, dined and shared time with friends and strangers alike.

Mary absolutely loved Christmas time! It was her favorite time of the year. She actively turned into a little girl every holiday season. She would go above and beyond to ensure that her children had the BEST Christmas holiday without fail.

1/12/22

Dolores Recser Capan, 1930-2022

HOWLAND — Dolores “Dee” Capan, 91, of Howland, entered peacefully into eternal life 5:50 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 4, 2022, at Shepherd of the Valley Lutheran Home in Howland, under the comforting care of hospice.

In 1950, Dee and her father decided to take up golf. She said that back then, no one took lesson; you just went out and played. And played she did, recording seven career aces, something usually afforded only to golf pros.

Her first hole-in-one came in 1960 at the former Eastwood Golf Course. Her seventh ace came some 28 years later, in 1998, at a course in Florida. Dee called them all “lucky shots.” She participated in several golf leagues and golfed well into her 80s.

2/2/22

Felicia E. MacMillan, 1939-2022

HOWLAND — Felicia Rae “Frit” MacMillan, 82, of Howland, passed away peacefully after a long illness with her husband and daughter by her side Friday, Jan. 28, 2022.

Felicia was a very talented craftsman and master weaver who enjoyed demonstrating and teaching others about basket weaving, spinning and weaving at festivals, schools and fairs. She was a longtime member of the Youngstown Area Weavers’ Guild where she served as president along with other positions in the organization. Felicia received many awards for her baskets and fiber arts, including hundreds of ribbons and several Best of Show awards at the Canfield Fair.

She would never take money for her weaving because she felt God gave her the skill and allowed her to do what she loved most.