Julia Piersant

Julia Doinoff Piersant, 96, passed away peacefully on April 6, 2026, surrounded by her devoted family.

She was born on July 5, 1929, in Lorain, Ohio. A daughter of Kolio and Alexandra (Delcheff) Doinoff, who immigrated to the United States from Bulgaria in 1922, and moved their family to Youngstown, Ohio in 1937 where Julia became a 1947 graduate of South High School.

A lifelong caregiver, Julia dedicated herself to others-especially her family. She spent much of her life caring for her parents and anyone in need of a helping hand. Her kindness, generosity, and nurturing spirit touched countless lives.

Julia's memory will be cherished and kept alive by her loving son, Don and his wife, Stacy Piersant, of Austintown; her daughter, Julie Ann Piersant and her caring partner, Jim Horvath, of Lake Milton; one brother, Richard Doinoff and his wife, Gloria, of San Diego; and her grandchildren Hailey and Preston Piersant. She was a proud and doting "Babu," to her grandchildren, who were truly the light of her life. She beamed at every mention of their names. Julia also leaves behind many cherished nieces, nephews, and extended family members from the Doinoff, Tenney, Faber, Gorczyca, Mastro, and Damore, Piersant and Mendozzi families.

Besides her parents, Julia was preceded in death by her beloved son, John Piersant, who passed away in 2016; three brothers, Bill, George, and Hank Doinoff; and one sister, Doris Faber.

Julia found great joy in cooking and sharing her meals with others. She lovingly prepared many traditional Bulgarian dishes, often saying that cooking was her therapy. A social and vibrant woman, she was always eager to connect with others. She looked forward to time with her niece Linda Tenney, often gathering for Tuesday dinners at her home or Friday fish at Amen Corner. She enjoyed staying active and engaged by joining church groups such as King's Kids and Job12:12; by proudly attending many of her high school reunions-including her 78th at South High; participating at the Austintown Senior Center; and, enjoying line dancing club and jitterbugging "as music always moved her." Nearest to her heart was preparing homemade food to feed those in need, whether in her neighborhood or at a local food center.

Her phone was her lifeline, as she spent her days checking in on family and friends, making sure everyone was cared for and never felt alone. Julia had a gift for making people feel special. She opened her home and her heart to all, welcoming others with warmth, laughter, and a home-cooked meal. Her best medicine was laughter-she loved being silly and, at times, a bit of a troublemaker, always in the spirit of love and fun.

Julia will be remembered as a strong, selfless woman whose love and compassion created a lasting legacy in the lives of all who knew her. She truly made a lasting impact on others.

The family wishes to extend their appreciation to her longtime family physician, Dr. Thomas Traikoff, for his compassionate care; to Dr. Hilmer Negrete, whom she adored for always attending to her needs and putting her at ease; and to Dr. Louis Valino, who became dear to her through frequent hospital visits. A special thank you to Jen, our angel and her private caregiver in her final days.

Services will be held Sunday, April 12, 2026, at Higgins-Reardon Funeral Home, Boardman-Canfield Chapel, 3701 Starr's Centre Drive, Canfield, Ohio 44406. Family will receive guests from 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m., followed by a brief service.

The Love of Cooking

A cutting board, a worn-out knife,

familiar hands that know the dance-

this was Julia.

Steam rises in her kitchen like a whispered prayer,

carrying stories in its breath-

of those who taught her how to stir,

how to taste, how to give.

She cooked not just to fill the table,

but to fill the spaces between people-

bridging silence with the clink of forks,

turning hunger into belonging.

In every dish, a quiet message:

I thought of you.

I made this for you.

You matter here.

You could taste her love in everything-

in the warmth of her banista,

the comfort of her stew,the richness of her pinga (kyopolou)

the sweetness of her custard,

and her famous lime cheesecake-each one a piece of her,

given freely.

And when they gathered, when they smiled,

when plates were emptied and hearts were full-

you could see it clearly, plain and true:

Love doesn't always speak.

Sometimes, it simmers.

So when the Sunday table is spread,

and grace is whispered, gently said,

think of Julia-

for she is there

in every smile,

in every prayer.

in every dish prepared.