Annabelle Stashinko

CANFIELD - Prayers will begin Friday at 11:30 a.m. at the Higgins-Reardon Funeral Homes, Austintown Chapel, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at noon at St. Brenden Church, for Annabelle Jeanne (Orofino) Stashinko, 92, who died peacefully on Monday at home, surrounded by her family.

Annabelle was born Feb. 4, 1924, to Joseph Anthony Orofino and Ella (Massaro) Orofino, both deceased, and grew up in a very loving Italian family.

She graduated from Chaney High School in 1942, and Youngstown College with a Business degree. She worked as an executive secretary for Judge W.L. Countryman and as an assistant to Attys. Bert and Sid Rigelhop.

She was a lifelong member of St. Brendan Church, married at the church, and was a member of the Altar and Rosary Society.

She met and married her soulmate, the love of her life, John S. Stashinko, deceased, on Nov. 14, 1953, and became a wonderful, loving mother to two daughters, Kathy Ann Carkido and Candia Zlenka, with whom she made her home, and will be sadly missed.

She subsequently left her job to raise her children and became very active in the PTA and all of her children's activities. She was a very loving and caring wife, mother, and grandmother.

She leaves behind four beautiful grandchildren, Joseph, Jolanta, Miranda, and Teresa Carkido, who she loved and cherished spending time with. Annabelle also leaves behind one sister, Betty (Jack) Scahill; one brother, Robert (Betti) Orofino; one sister-in-law, Helen (Paul) Kana; and 15 nieces and nephews.

Preceding her in death were her sister, Rita (Edward) Slaven; sisters-in-law Paula (Steve) Topoly and Wanda (Ron) Paris; and brother-in-law Stanley (Josephine) Stashinko.

Annabelle was a very social person. She loved having fun, laughing, dancing, and making those around her smile. She was a gracious hostess and loved having and going to parties. She especially loved gambling, both locally and traveling to Las Vegas with her daughter. She went to Bingo as often as possible and had a great deal of fun at Candi's home bingo parties. She also enjoyed classic TV shows and was an avid Cleveland Browns and Indians fan.

Above all, Annabelle loved life and will be remembered by those close to her as an inspiration for how precious life is. She persevered through five very difficult years with a smile on her face and love in her heart. She will be deeply missed by all those whose lives she touched.

Family and friends may call Thursday from 5 to 8 p.m. a the funeral home.

Candi and Annabelle would like to offer a special thank you to their angels of mercy, Jolanta Carkido, Finn Coleman, Donna McConnell, Jan Cefalu, Marie Boggs, Lisa Roberts, Debbie Yurko, and Andrea Deafenbaugh. "We would also like to thank Dr. Chris Knight, Kim Hildebrand CNP, and the caring nurses and staff at the Hope Center, along with Dr. Bhargava Ravi, Dr. Joseph Ambrose, and Hospice of the Valley for the very caring and compassionate care they gave us throughout this journey. It is greatly appreciated."

Visit www.higgins-reardon.com to send condolences to the family.