Ann L. Skoufatos, 1934-2019

“You celebrated a milestone on Friday, turning 85 years of age. In your lifetime, you lived through the Depression; saw your mother and grandmother go to work in the local mills during World War II to support the war effort as a ‘Rosie the Riveter’; and at the age of 43, you became a widower and raised three kids by yourself.

“You were a fighter, survivor, the toughest person we have ever known, and wouldn’t be deterred by the curve balls of life. You’ve taught us so much through your words, stories and life experiences, the most important lesson being, ‘Nothing comes easy; you have to work for it.’

“You also taught us at a young age to have respect for our flag, our country and service to others: you were a prolific supporter of several charitable agencies including Disabled American Veterans, AMVETS, Boys Town and a number of Catholic organizations. Though you are gone now, you will never be forgotten.”

Ann L. Skoufatos, 85, died Friday, Oct. 18, 2019. She was born Oct. 18, 1934, in Brooklyn, N.Y., the daughter of Salvatore D’Antonio and Vera Valva.

She moved to the Campbell area at the age of 5 with her mother and stepfather, Anthony Valva.

She was a 1952 graduate of Campbell Memorial High School, where she was the head majorette in the marching band in her junior and senior years.

Ann worked in Bowman’s Pharmacy on West Federal Street, then Renner Brewery and Federal Iron Works and Strouss-Hirschberg. Ann also worked at General Electric for 17 years as an IMG operator until the closing of the plant, as well as working for General Electric Civil Works. Later, Ann worked and retired from St. Elizabeth Medical Center.

In her teen years, she enjoyed slow dancing and doing the jitterbug. Later, Ann loved crocheting, making flower arrangements, cooking, crafting, puzzles and books. She loved decorating during the holidays, especially Christmas.

She was formerly a member of St. Lucy Catholic Church, Campbell, and later St. Michael’s Parish, Canfield and Archangel Michael Greek Orthodox Church, Campbell.

Ann will be deeply missed by her son, Nikitas (Kathy) Skoufatos of Poland; her daughters, Michele (James) Mullarkey of Boardman and Vera (Paul) Brown of Mineral Ridge; four grandchildren, Nicholas Skoufatos, Alexis Skoufatos, James Mullarkey and Christina Mullarkey; a grand-kitty, Tiger Brown; and her sisters, Renee (Paul) Wilson of Toledo and Toni Janet Baskeyfield of Boardman.

Her husband, Nicholas, whom she married June 5, 1954, in St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church, Youngstown, passed away Jan. 12, 1977. Besides her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by her brother, Mark Valva.

The family will receive relatives and friends 10 to 11:30 Wednesday, Oct. 23, 2019, at Wasko Funeral Home. A Mass of Christian Burial will take place noon Wednesday, Oct. 23, 2019, St. Lucy Catholic Church, Campbell.

The Skoufatos family has entrusted their loved one to the care of the Wasko Funeral Home.

Visit www.waskofamily.com to view this obituary and send Ann’s family condolences.

(special notice)