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BARBARA J. ACERRA
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BOARDMAN – Funeral services will be held Monday at 10 a.m. at St. Maron Church for Barbara J. Acerra, 61, who died of breast cancer Thursday morning at her home after a courageous battle.
She was born on Feb. 20, 1950, in Youngstown, a daughter of Charles B. and Josephine E. (Abdalla) Thomas.
A 1968 graduate of Ursuline High School, she earned her bachelor’s degree in Education from Youngstown State University in 1971 and her masters in Education in 1974.
Barbara had a career in Education spanning more than 40 years. She was most recently employed at Trumbull County Educational Service Center as Supervisor of Gifted and Talented Services. Prior to that, she taught for 23 years for the Wellsville City Schools.
Barbara had been a prominent member of various organizations in leadership roles, always stepping up for the community, her friends, and her family. She was a member of the National and Ohio Associations for Gifted Children, Western Reserve Association for Gifted Education, Boardman Lion’s Club, a life member of the YSU Alumni Association and Delta Kappa Gamma, Gamma Pi Chapter. She had received numerous awards for her accomplishments.
She was a member of St. Maron Church and its St. Tobias Society. She was also a past officer of the church parish council, education foundation and the Color My World Daycare Board of Directors. Barbara taught in the religious education program there for 30 years and served as a director for the Maronite Youth Organization at that parish.
Mrs. Acerra is survived by her children, a daughter, Jennifer M. of Chicago and two sons, John R. of New York City and Anthony J. of Cincinnati.
She is also survived by her siblings, Frances Sarkis, Marlan (Steve) Welsch, Charles (Renee) Thomas and Linda (Joseph) Warino.
She was preceded in death by her husband, John J. Acerra; her parents; and a sister, Charlotte.
Friends may call on Sunday from 4 to 7 p.m. at the Higgins-Reardon, Boardman-Canfield Chapel and Monday from 9 to 9:45 a.m. at St. Maron Church.
Guestbook Entries
“Barbara was my friend and inspiration throughout our years in school. I will hold her memory in my heart. ”
» Arlene Amendolara on March 8, 2012
“My thoughts and prayers are with your family at this difficult time. God Bless ”
» Sonnie Miller on December 5, 2011
DKG sister
“To the Accera Family and Francis(DKG) and siblings. My heart just aches! Barb, my DKG sister was my mentor through my presidency of DKG. She had set the "bar" very high during her presendency,for me to follow. She was always there for me to answer the multitudes of questions I proposed to her. She was always optimistic and cheerful during her illness. She was a great inspiration to everyone she came in contact with. I prayed for her daily for inner peace and comfort. May we rejoice knowing she is no longer suffering and she has become a beautiful angel. Barb made a tremendous impact on my life. I will really miss her. I am praying for you all during this difficult time. May God Bless you all.”
» Ellen Conrad on December 4, 2011
“What a great person and educator. She was my teacher while at MacDonald School in Wellsville. She touched so many of our lives in such a positive aspect. The world lost a wonderful person who truly cared for the people she taught. My heart and prayers go out to the family at this difficult time. May God watch over you all. ”
» Sonya Davis on December 4, 2011
“Jen, when I met your mom, I found many of the same qualities that I treasured in you. So many will miss her...Hang in there. You are in our prayers. ”
» Tom and Heather Bubnick on December 4, 2011
From Lakeland, Florida
“I am so sorry to hear of Barbara's passing. My thoughts and heartfelt sympathy are with your family as you lay to rest your beloved mother, sister,aunt,cousin and friend. With love to you all, Jo Ann ”
» Jo Ann Bukovinsky on December 4, 2011
“Mrs. Acerra was my kindergrarten teacher. She was a lovely and kind lady that helped a little girl come out of her shell. My sympathies to the family.”
» Lynda (Salter) Kelley on December 4, 2011
“Linda and family,my heart goes out to you in your time of sorrow. ”
» Mickey Noren on December 4, 2011
“This saddens me. It is because of Mrs. Acerra that I became a teacher. I got to work in her first grade classroom as a Junior and Senior in high school through the Future Teachers Club at the school. She was my inspiration to be the best teacher I could be. Mrs. Acerra, if you meet my daughter in Heaven, give her a hug for me.”
» Rick Salsberry on December 4, 2011
“I was lucky enough to work with Barb for many years in the cause of service to many of the valley's most gifted and talented children. She was a quality person, personally and professionally, and will be missed by many. ”
» Maria Cougras Pappas on December 3, 2011
“Linda and family my thoughts and prayers are with you with the loss of your beloved sister Barbara. ”
» Mickey Noren on December 3, 2011
“Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time. God bless and watch over you always.”
» Jim and Cathy Brown - Wellsville on December 3, 2011
“Jennifer.. You are in my thoughts and prayers. I am so very sorry. Your Kindergarten teacher, Mrs. McClay ( Carline)”
» Joyce McClay on December 3, 2011
“Linda and Family, Please accept my deepest sympathy for the passing of your sister. My prayers and thoughts are with you at this most difficult time.”
» Jim Bisconti on December 3, 2011
“My deepest sympathy to the Acerra family. The world will never be the same because of the beautiful difference one life has made.”
» Debbie Stefanik-Pastva on December 3, 2011