Mary A. Kanotz 1936-2021

Mary, born Dec. 11, 1936, was one of six children and the only daughter of Sam and Virginia Carfagna.

Mary grew up in the Brier Hill neighborhood of Youngstown and graduated from The Rayen School in 1954. Even after graduation, she continued to show her pride as a Rayen Tiger, being part of the reunion committees and luncheons. For years, Mary served as a deacon at the Hungarian United Presbyterian Church on Mahoning Avenue. In her later years, she was also an active volunteer at the annual Assumption Pilgrimage at The Basilica and National Shrine of Our Lady of Lebanon in North Jackson. Mary retired in 2001 from Youngstown Hospital Association, where she worked as an EKG technician at both Southside and Northside Hospitals.

Mary will always be remembered as a kind, but feisty woman, who never met a stranger. She loved life and cherished time with her family. Mary’s home was always filled with her family and delicious food on the holidays. Her love was cooking and baking for the family. Every Christmas Eve, she continued the Italian tradition of the Feast of Seven Fishes. Her house would smell of wonderful dinner and sweet cakes and pies.

She loved taking her grandchildren to Mill Creek Park for walks and to feed the ducks. Her grandchildren will always remember her warm laugh and hugs. She also enjoyed spending time with her close friends shopping, going to the casino and traveling to Italy. She treasured all of these memories and would speak fondly of them often.

Mary is survived by a large family who loved her dearly. She will be lovingly remembered by her children, Dave (Dee) Kanotz, Debra Cooper and Duane (Karen) Kanotz; grandchildren, Ashley (Pat), Kristen (Rick), Brittany (Dave), David (Brittany), John (Cassie), Amanda (James), Ricky (Sara), Julie and Hunter; and great-grandchildren, Giovanna, Patrick, Sophie, Luca, Oliver, Elizabeth, Cooper, Ethan, Madison and Greyson. Mary also leaves her sister-in-law, Joyce Carfagna; along with many nieces, nephews and dear friends.

Mary was preceded in death by her parents; and brothers, Joseph, Albert, Nick, Clement and Pete Carfagna.

The family would like to sincerely extend a heartfelt thank you to the entire staff at the Inn at Christine Valley for their love and care of Mary over the years. Please remember her laughter and sense of humor along with her whistling tunes. The family would also like to thank the Crossroads Hospice team for their gentle care and kindness.

A private family memorial was held and Mary will be laid to rest alongside family members in Tod Homestead Cemetery in Youngstown. In lieu of flowers and gifts, the family asks that you donate to The Basilica and National Shrine of Our Lady of Lebanon or Crossroads Hospice.

Funeral arrangements were conducted by Szabo and Sons Funeral Home.

(special notice)