Michelle P. Fillian 1945-2026

Born Dec. 10, 1945, in Everett, Washington, Michelle was the beloved daughter of the late Michael and Nelda Moore Russo.

Michelle was a graduate of Villa Marie High School in Pennsylvania. She continued her education with dedication and determination, earning her bachelor’s degree in social work from Youngstown State University, followed by her master’s degree in social work from Case Western Reserve University

Michelle later served as a social worker at St. Elizabeth Hospital before continuing her career with the Veterans Administration, working in both Ohio and Florida, and retiring in 2014.

Michelle loved crocheting, was an avid reader and enjoyed traveling the world — especially trips to Italy and anywhere she could be near the beach and water, which brought her great peace.

Above all, Michelle’s greatest joy was her family. She devoted many years as a loving stay-at-home mother while also operating her own seamstress business. She was known for her skillful alterations, creating and repairing clothing, and even carefully restoring flags for a local bank.

Michelle is survived by her loving children, James Hoover of Boardman; Michelle (Tom) Rusback of Myrtle Beach, South Carolina; Kevin (Jennifer) Hoover of Ada, Oklahoma; Joseph Hoover of Canfield; Holly Scott of Warren; and Joseph Fillian of Warren; several grandchildren and great-grandchildren; numerous nieces and nephews; and her former husband, Charles “Fred” Hoover of Boardman.

In addition to her parents, Michelle was preceded in death by her second husband, John L. Fillian, in 2011, and her brother, Michael Russo.

Calling hours will be 5 to 7 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 18, 2026, and again on Thursday from 8 a.m. until the time of prayer service at 9 a.m. at Davis-Becker Funeral Home, 8536 Market St., Boardman, OH 44512.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be 10 a.m. Thursday at St. Patrick Parish, 1420 Oak Hill Ave., Youngstown, OH 44507.

Internment will be in Ohio Western Reserve National Cemetery at a later date.

Online condolences may be shared at www.beckerobits.com.

(special notice)