Bernadette J. Demechko 1934-2025

Bernadette was born in Diamond, lived on a farm until 8th grade, and later moved to Youngstown, where she lived until her death.

She attended Vincentian High School in Pittsburgh, Pa. and Youngstown State University. She worked under a general at the Ravenna Arsenal.

Bernie married Edward Demechko on May 12, 1956. They had five children. Bernie was a wonderful homemaker and loved doing things with her family. They took many family vacations, mostly to historical places or beach houses.

After raising her children, Bernie went to work at Youngstown State University and retired after 20 years.

Bernie enjoyed many activities, such as going to the theater, belonging to the Civil War Roundtable, square dancing and singing in a symphony choir. She loved reading and working crossword puzzles.

Bernie served as financial secretary of St. Elizabeth and St. Cecelia Societies, First Catholic Slovak Ladies Association “FCSLA”, president of Maria E. Grega District “FCSLA”, National Board Member of “FCSLA”, secretary of Youngstown Sister Cities Inc., was a member of Slovak Catholic Sokols, Mahoning County Civil War Round Table, St. Matthias Sacred Heart and Rosemary Society, American Slovak Cultural Association and St, Matthias Infant Jesus of Prague Guild.

Bernie was extremely proud of her Slovak heritage and worked to keep the tradition alive through her children.

Bernie was an amazing mother and grandmother, and will be greatly missed by all who knew her.

Bernadette was preceded in death by her parents, John and Mary Slanina; her sisters, Sister Mary Celine, Veronica Alvarez, Estelle Chizmar, Theresa Armour and Katrinka and Helen, who died in infancy; her brothers, Steven Bacon, John Slanina, Joseph Slanina and John Slanina, who died in infancy; and her great-grandsons, Skylar Braden and Kaylan Adair.

Bernadette is survived by her husband of 69 years, Edward J. Demechko of Youngstown; daughter, Paula (Larry) Langston of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma; daughter, Laura (Ron) Kaplan of Spicewood, Texas; son, Edward Demechko of Medina; daughter, Mary (Grant) Shelley of Youngstown; and son, Mark (Rudi) Demechko of Akron.

She will also be missed by grandchildren, Melissa Speegle of Moore, Oklahoma, TJ Adair of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, Brandon Adair of Medford, Oregon, Alaina (Brian) Shumate of Midwest City, Oklahoma, Logan Kaplan and Doran Kaplan, both of Spicewood, Texas, Deanna (Ryan) Singer of Solon, Sydney Demechko of Salem, and Oregon and Reggi Demechko of Akron; great-grandchildren, Korben Speegle, Aniala Speegle and Ryan Adair, all of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, Zylee Adair of Choctaw, Oklahoma, Danika Adair of Medford, Oregon and Caius Breitenbach of Midwest City, Oklahoma; and many other family members.

The family has entrusted Kubina Yuhasz Funeral Home, 5925 Market St., Boardman, with Bernadette’s arrangements, where they will receive friends from 6 to 8 p.m. Friday, Oct. 17, 2025. A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Oct. 18, 2025, at Kubina Yuhasz Funeral Home.

Visit www.waskofamily.com to view the obituary and send the family condolences.

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