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CANFIELD -- Michelena "Mickey" Fata passed away peacefully at her home on Friday, Sept. 11, 2026, at the age of 90.
Michelena was born on Feb. 8, 1936, in Youngstown, the daughter of Natale and Carmel LaCivita Fata. She attended Sacred Heart School and went on to Ursuline High School, graduating in 1954. She earned excellent grades throughout her education and was often praised by teachers for her intellect and work ethic. Michelena dedicated her early adult life to the in-home care of her father, Natale, and then her mother, Carmel, and she did so while balancing the rigors of her early professional career.
Michelena joined Pittsburgh Plate Glass (PPG), where she worked in various office management roles. Following a series of promotions, Michelena moved to Rochester, New York, where she lived for several years and established herself in her new community, making dear friends along the way. After more than 40 years of loyal service, she retired from PPG and returned to Youngstown, choosing to be near family in retirement.
Throughout her life, Michelena dedicated herself to family, first taking care of her parents, then providing limitless support to her older brother, Anthony, and her younger brother, Joseph. She took pride in hosting family and friends in her home, and few could match her culinary skills, where traditional Italian meals were prepared with skill and love.
Michelena made her relationships with her nieces, nephews and cousins a top priority throughout her life, always picking up the phone, opening her door to a visit and accepting an invitation to visit. For many years, her home was filled with the energy of her lively Schnauzers, Zach and Katie. She cherished travel, including frequent trips to the coast of Maine and throughout Italy.
Michelena was a member of St. Luke Parish and then St. Angela Merici Parish. She was active in her church communities for many years, serving on various committees and as an Ursuline associate.
Michelena will be missed and remembered by her nieces and nephews, Annie (Eric) Dudenhoefer, Nate (Alicia) Fata, Patty Fata, and Tony (Ren) Fata; and 11 great-nieces and great-nephews. She will also be missed and remembered by her cousins, Micki Biasella, Oreste Fata, Margaret Nigro, and Greg Fata, and their families, as well as her extended family in Ohio, Canada, and Savuto in Calabria, Italy.
Michelena was preceded in death by her parents, Natale and Carmel; and her brothers, Anthony and Joseph.
A Mass of Christian Burial will take place at 10 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 7, 2026, at St. Angela Merici Church. There will be no calling hours before the Mass. Following the Mass, Michelena will be laid to rest with her parents in Calvary Cemetery.
Professional arrangements were entrusted to the care of Higgins-Reardon Funeral Homes, Poland Chapel. Family and friends are invited to visit www.higgins-reardon.com to share memories and condolences.
Donations may be made to the Windsor Initiatives for Needs Guidance and Support (WINGS) Foundation at https://wings-foundation.org/.
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