Anna M. Trefethern 1930-2025

Born July 22, 1930, Ann was a loving mother of four and devoted grandmother of three. Born in Struthers, she graduated from Youngstown State University with a bachelor’s degree in education in 1951 and later earned a master’s degree in learning disabilities at the age of 52.

Ann taught the children of servicemen and women in the armed forces in Europe (Germany and Italy) in the late 1950s before returning to the U.S. to start a family. She was dedicated to teaching children, a career that spanned five decades, including her co-founding of Happy Days Nursery School with her sister, Julie.

Ann had a passion for reading and wanted everyone to experience the joy of it. She was so pleased when former students would return as teenagers or college graduates to visit her in the classroom. Known for her keen sense of humor, she happily shared that she was in Germany at the same time as Elvis, although they never met, but not for a lack of trying on her part.

Ann had a great love of trivia, politics, travel, the Cleveland Guardians, the Poland Library, her weekly card games and social events with friends. Most of all, Ann adored her grandchildren. Ann will be missed by her family and many friends.

She is survived by her four children, Carol Trefethern, Thomas Trefethern, Randall Trefethern and Gail Trefethern-Kelley; her daughter-in-law, Lori Pavlik Trefethern; her son-in-law, Scott Kelley; and her grandchildren, Michael Trefethern, Carly Trefethern and Abbott Kelley.

Ann was preceded in death by her sisters, Julie Centofanti Vasel and Mary Centofanti Steffancin; and her brother, James Centofanti.

A Catholic Mass will be held in her honor 11 a.m. Friday, June 13, 2025, at Holy Family Church, 2729 Center Road, Poland, OH 44514.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made to the Poland Library in Ann’s name. Please mail your donations with Ann’s name attached and put earmarked for Poland Library. Make your check payable to Public Library of Youngstown and Mahoning County, â„… Development Office, 305 Wick Ave., Youngstown, OH 44503.

Arrangements handled by Clemente Funeral Home in Struthers. This obituary may be viewed and condolences sent at www.ClementeFuneralHomes.com.

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