Mary George Kerola, 104

HUBBARD, OHIO – Mary George Kerola, 104, died peacefully in her sleep at home early Wednesday morning, Oct. 7, 2009.

Mrs. Kerola was born on Dec. 25, 1904, the last of five children of Shanini and Thomas George Wahabe in Feghal, Jbeil, Lebanon. Because she was born on Christmas, her mother used to say her name came with her, so she named her Mary.


She emigrated to the United States in 1907. Her mother made several transatlantic trips between the United States and Lebanon, and in 1912 was a survivor of the Titanic. Mrs. Kerola was interviewed many times over the years for her recollections of the stories her mother told her.


As a young girl, she packed ice-cream cones for the family business, George & Thomas Cone Company, which is now Joy Cone Co. in Hermitage, Pa. In Sharon, Pa., she worked at an original Isaly’s Dairy store on State Street. While her children were in college, she co-owned a grocery store in Youngstown, Ohio. In the 1950s, she and her husband fulfilled their lifelong dream when they founded P I & I Motor Express in Masury.


She married Joseph J. Kerola in Sharon on Feb. 24, 1927. They lived in Buffalo, N.Y., Sharon and Youngstown. They moved to Hubbard, Ohio in 1953. He passed away on Nov. 13, 1965.


Their only son, John J. Kerola, died on June 19, 1996. Besides her parents, her husband, and their son, she was preceded in death by her brothers, Thomas, Joseph and Albert; and a sister, Rose George Thomas.


Mrs. Kerola leaves her daughter, Joann Kerola Knuth, with whom she made her home and grandchildren Richard L. Knuth Jr. and his wife, Lynn of Charlotte, N.C. and Mary Jo Knuth of Liberty Township. She also leaves grandsons, Joseph J. Kerola and his wife, Pamela of Hubbard and William J. Kerola and his wife, Carrie of Greenville, Pa. and seven great-grandchildren. She will be greatly missed by many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews and numerous other relatives and friends.


As she aged, she maintained many close relationships. Throughout the years, she was especially close to her nephew, Peter Feghali of Ramona, Calif. and Dr. and Mrs. Fred W. Dunlea of Youngstown. She was grateful that she had such a supportive and loving extended family.


Friends and family may pay their respects on Monday, Oct. 12, 2009 from 2 to 4 p.m. at Queen of the Holy Rosary Church. The funeral Mass will follow at 4 p.m.


Arrangements are being handled by the McClurkin Funeral Home in Girard, Ohio.

Youngstown Vindicator
Oct 9, 2009