Barbara Acerra

BOARDMAN - Funeral services will be held Monday at 10 a.m. at St. Maron Church for Barbara J. Acerra, 61, who died of breast cancer Thursday morning at her home after a courageous battle.

She was born on Feb. 20, 1950, in Youngstown, a daughter of Charles B. and Josephine E. Abdalla Thomas.

A 1968 graduate of Ursuline High School, she earned her bachelor's degree in Education from Youngstown State University in 1971 and her masters in Education in 1974.

Barbara had a career in Education spanning more than 40 years. She was most recently employed at Trumbull County Educational Service Center as Supervisor of Gifted and Talented Services. Prior to that, she taught for 23 years for the Wellsville City Schools.

Barbara had been a prominent member of various organizations in leadership roles, always stepping up for the community, her friends, and her family. She was a member of the National and Ohio Associations for Gifted Children, Western Reserve Association for Gifted Education, Boardman Lion's Club, a life member of the YSU Alumni Association and Delta Kappa Gamma, Gamma Pi Chapter. She had received numerous awards for her accomplishments.

She was a member of St. Maron Church and its St. Tobias Society. She was also a past officer of the church parish council, education foundation and the Color My World Daycare Board of Directors. Barbara taught in the religious education program there for 30 years and served as a director for the Maronite Youth Organization at that parish.

Mrs. Acerra is survived by her children, a daughter, Jennifer M. of Chicago and two sons, John R. of New York City and Anthony J. of Cincinnati.

She is also survived by her siblings, Frances Sarkis, Marlan Steve Welsch, Charles Renee Thomas and Linda Joseph Warino.

She was preceded in death by her husband, John J. Acerra; her parents; and a sister, Charlotte.

Friends may call on Sunday from 4 to 7 p.m. at the Higgins-Reardon, Boardman-Canfield Chapel and Monday from 9 to 9:45 a.m. at St. Maron Church.