1933
Dolly
2024
Mary Ellen (Smrek) Ivan
May 3, 1933 — April 10, 2024
Poland
She was born on May 3, 1933, in Youngstown, a daughter of the late George Smrek and Mary Granchie Hutira.
Dolly led a fulfilling life filled with love, compassion, and a deep commitment to her family. She was a graduate of Woodrow Wilson High School's class of 1951 and went on to work in various establishments including the office of the Youngstown Sheet and Tube, Consolidated, and Kaufman's Department Store.
She was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother and took pride in all their accomplishments. Everyone knew they could call her with their specific prayers and she would say "Pray to The Holy Spirit, he listens and wants to help if you just ask." Dolly always loved attending her children and grandchildren's activities. A devout Catholic throughout her life, she actively participated in the church community. From St. Luke Church to Sts. Cyril and Methodius and finally Holy Family Church, she was a valued member of various groups at Sts. Cyril and Methodius including Altar and Rosary Society, Ladies Guild, Infant Jesus of Prague, and sang in their choir.
In her leisure time, she enjoyed over 50 years of playing cards with her neighborhood card club. She found immense joy in vacationing with her husband and family. She was very creative and had a passion for a variety of hobbies including ceramics, sewing, quilting, and gardening. She enjoyed being a Campfire leader and loved her season tickets for Boardman High School and YSU football games. She was exceptional at cooking and baking her family's favorites. She was best known for her clothespin cookies, home-made pies, cheesy potato casserole, lime jello salad, and zucchini bread.
One of the fondest memories shared by those who knew Dolly was her passion for singing. As a resident of The Woodlands Assisted Living at Hampton Woods, she joyfully led the community in songs and loved participating in all the activities.
Dolly was preceded in death by her beloved husband Arthur Ivan whom she married August 20, 1953 and passed away on March 16, 2015.
She is survived by her four daughters: Mary Ellen (John) Lenton, Theresa (Frank) Kishel, Beth (George) Basista, and Kathy (Tom) Wysenski all residing in Boardman; grandchildren: Jon Arthur (Kristin) Lenton; Christine (James) Yocum; Jennifer (Timothy) Lewis; Michael F. (Emily) Cuccarese; Sarah (A.J.) Ondrey, and Stephen (Joelle) Wysenski, Great-grandchildren: Abby and Andrew Yocum; Cooper & Beckett Lenton; Mason Lewis; Ivan Cuccarese; Jordan and Miles Ondrey. She also leaves behind many nieces and nephews and step grandchildren: George (Rachel) Basista, Stephen (Jodi) Kishel, Christen (Troy Rickards) Kishel, and step great grandchildren Jocelyn (Tommy) Kozorynski, Blake and Reid Basista.
She is also survived by a brother Edward (Rita) Smrek and two sisters: Rita Premec and Mary Ann Lapinski. Her brother William Smrek is deceased.
Family and friends may pay their respects at Higgins-Reardon Funeral Home, Poland Chapel located at 2726 Center Rd. on Sunday April 14th from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM. Prayers will be held Monday at 9:30 AM at the funeral home, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10 AM at Holy Family Church. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Hospice House, 9803 Sharrott Road, Poland, Ohio 44514 in her memory.
Mary Ellen's family would like to give a special thanks to the directors, nurses and staff at The Woodlands at Hampton Woods for all of their compassionate care.
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Mary Ellen (Smrek) Ivan, please visit our flower store.
Service Schedule
Past Services
Visitation
Sunday, April 14, 2024
2:00 - 4:00 pm (Eastern time)
Higgins-Reardon Funeral Home - Poland Chapel
Prayer Service
Monday, April 15, 2024
Starts at 9:30 am (Eastern time)
Higgins-Reardon Funeral Home - Poland Chapel
Mass
Monday, April 15, 2024
10:00 - 11:00 am (Eastern time)
Holy Family Church
Guestbook
Visits: 473
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