Maryann L. Pernotto 1939-2026
NAPA, Calif. — Maryann L. Pernotto died peacefully on Monday, Jan. 12, 2026, after a long illness. Her sister, Jane, was at her bedside. She was predeceased by her parents, Anthony and Veronica (Ronnie) Pernotto; her sister, Andrea Pernotto, and her life partner, Norma Hazelbaker, M.D.
Maryann grew up in Youngstown and graduated from Ursuline High School in 1957 and St. Elizabeth School of Nursing in 1960. Upon graduation from nursing school, she entered the Ursuline Sisters community, where she cared for the sick and infirm sisters. She received her B.S. degree in health education from Youngstown State University and taught girls’ health education classes at Cardinal Mooney High School. Maryann’s other training included a Master of Science degree in clinical counseling from Youngstown State University; a licensed professional clinical counselor; nurse clinical specialist in psychology; and pastoral care.
After leaving the Ursuline community, Maryann was a therapist at the Doris Burdman Group Home and later in private practice in Poland, Ohio. Maryann was a deeply compassionate caregiver. She was known for her gifts and skills as a therapist helping people heal from health and life issues. People always felt safe and comfortable in her presence.
She lived a full life and, over the years, enjoyed jogging, skiing, cycling, long walks, creating stained glass pieces, photography, gardening, and time with family and friends. Maryann moved to Napa with Jane and Jim in 2021, and especially loved time with family in the California sunshine, the landscape of mountains and vineyards, and the ocean.
She will be greatly missed by her sister, Jane Ehrman (James) of Napa; niece, Sarah O’Connor of Napa; and nephews, James and Mark of Portland, Oregon.
Maryann’s graveside green burial was on Jan. 23 at Tulocay Cemetery in Napa. A memorial service will be held in Youngstown this summer.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Ursuline HIV / AIDS Ministry and Beatitude House (www.ursulinesistersmission.org) or Angels for Animals (www.angelsforanimals.org/).
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