Carol Ann M. Vicarel 1952-2025

She was born March 11, 1952, in Youngstown, a daughter of the late Frank and Anne Smesko Vaio.

She was a 1970 graduate of Struthers High School, where she met the love of her life, Monte.

Che Che spent eight years, right out of high school, with Ohio Edison, before finding her true calling within the Struthers City Schools. She formed special bonds with her children, and quietly helped students who needed a hand, making sure they had what they needed, both in school and at home.

She poured her heart into everything she did, especially with her family. She was a wonderful wife, and an unwavering support to her daughters, present for every milestone and every moment. And when she became “Nana Che Che” to her grandchildren, she was the one who would move mountains for them. They were her pride and joy and the center of her world.

Her multiple skills in the kitchen with cooking and baking became something of a local treasure. Twice she served as a community guest cook at Selah’s Restaurant for charity, and both events sold out. Her linguine with clam sauce and her wedding soup were legendary among those lucky enough to try them. At home, she was in her element, cooking, baking, decorating and hosting gatherings where friends and family were always welcomed with a warm meal. Feeding people wasn’t just something she did; it was how she showed love.

She cherished time with her friends and loved hosting gatherings any chance she got. She loved music, and could dance the night away — especially if Frankie Valli was playing.

Che Che lived openly and authentically, wearing her heart on her sleeve and marching to the beat of her own drum. Generous to her core. She didn’t just care for her family and community — she nourished it, in every sense of the word. She truly was one in a million.

She leaves behind to cherish her memory, her beloved husband of 51 years, Monte Vicarel, whom she married Aug. 31, 1974; her daughters, Annie Scavnicky, Monica (Kelly) Vicarel and Gina (Adam) Shaffer; her grandsons, Michael Scavnicky, Alec Vicarel, Zachary Vicarel and Monte Shaffer; her brothers, Joseph (Tammy) Vaio and Frank (Debbie) Vaio; many nieces and nephews; brother-in-law, Jack and Gina Vicarel; and sister-in-law, Kathy and Kenny Evans.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her sister, Linda Vaio; and son-in-law, Jerry Scavnicky.

Friends will be received from 4 to 7 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 18, 2025, at the Davis-Becker Funeral Home in Boardman, and again from 10 to 10:45 a.m. Wednesday, Nov. 19, 2025, at Christ Our Savior Parish-St. Nicholas Church, where a Mass of Christian Burial will begin at 11 a.m. She will be laid to rest in Poland Riverside Cemetery.

Visit www.beckerobits.com to send the family condolences and share your memories.

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