Mary Lou Reda 1934-2020

Born in Youngstown on Aug. 15, 1934, as Mary Lou Lisko, daughter of John and Hazel Cramer Lisko. Her mother was also born in Youngstown and came from a long bloodline that fought in both the Revolutionary and Civil Wars. They entered the U.S. through Philadelphia and settled in Youngstown.

Mary Lou graduated from East High School and met the love of her life, Anthony “Tony” Reda, on Valentine’s Day. They were to be married at St. Columba Cathedral, but fire destroyed it in Sept. 2, 1954, when a bolt of lighting struck during a late evening storm before the couple were to wed.

Luckily, they found their perfect church on Nov. 13 — St. Patrick’s in Youngstown. After that, they became longtime members of St. Dominic’s Catholic Parish in Youngstown.

Mary Lou, mom, aunt, Grandma, friend, and Lou to her husband. At her age, she answered to many titles and loved them all. She also loved decorating her home, baking and cooking. During the Thanksgiving holiday, cookies were made and frozen, Sunday sauce was made and frozen, all for the Christmas season. Holiday lights and decorations were put up and gifts were purchased and under the tree. She loved the holiday because she loved the children. She was known for her Slovak and Italian cooking.

Mary Lou is survived by her husband Anthony; brother Jack who is retired in Henderson, Nevada; her three sons and their wives, Gary and Christine of Struthers, Anthony Jr. and Amanda of Hilliard, and Christopher and LeeAnn of Struthers; daughter Karyn and fiance Bill of Wilmington, N.C. What brought her even more joy were her 17 grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren, with another two on the way.

Due to our current health crisis, COVID-19, a memorial service will be planned for a later date in 2021.

Mary Lou’s family has requested memorial tributes in her memory be given to Catholic Charities of Youngstown, 319 W. Rayen Ave., Youngstown, OH 44502.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the Edward J. Fox and Sons Funeral Home, 4700 Market St., Boardman.

Family and friends may visit www.foxfuneralhome.org to view this obituary and send condolences.

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