Mary Jean Simkins 1930-2023

Born March 24, 1930, she was a lifelong resident of the Youngstown area and a longtime member of St. Christine Church.

Jeannie often would share stories of starting to work at the young age of 12 years old at her grandmother’s (Viola Styka) dairy store on South Avenue during the war.

After graduating from Woodrow Wilson High School, she immediately began working at Ohio Bell as a switchboard operator, which eventually merged with AT&T, where she was promoted to management and ultimately retired after 43 years of service. She was a member of AT&T Pioneers of America.

Jeannie was a fun-spirited soul who was very engaging with a quick wit. She loved working in her yard and keeping up with politics and current events.

She will always be remembered for being wonderfully made, beautifully unique and one of a kind.

She will be forever remembered by her beloved daughter, Janet Fichter; a son, Craig; brother, Donald Styka; precious friends, Harold and Cheri Blackann, and Mary Ann Wilt; and multiple grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nephews and grandpets.

Jeannie was predeceased by her parents, Edward and Matilda Styka, and a brother, Edward J. Styka.

Friends and loved ones are invited to call on the family from 10 to 11 a.m. Tuesday, April 25, 2023, where there will be a funeral Mass at 11 a.m. at St. Christine Church, 3165 S. Schenley Ave., Youngstown, with the Rev. John Jerek presiding.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Hospice of the Valley, Hospice House, Mahoning Chapter, 9803 Sharrott Road, Youngstown, Ohio 44514 in honor of Mary Jean “Jeannie” Simkins.

Arrangements were handled by Vaschak-Kirila Funeral Home Inc., Youngstown.

(special notice)