Jean Doinoff

AUSTINTOWN - Prayers will begin Saturday, Jan. 3, 2015, at 9:30 a.m., at the Higgins-Reardon Funeral Homes, Austintown Chapel, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10 a.m. at the Immaculate Heart of Mary Church (IHM), for Jean Loretta Doinoff, 80, who died Monday evening, at home with family, after a brief and courageous battle with cancer.

Jean was born Nov. 23, 1934, in Youngstown, to Peter and Almerinda (DeChellis) Damore, who immigrated from Pacentro, Italy, and raised their family on Elberen Street.

She was a 1953 graduate of Chaney High School and remained involved as a class reunion committee member. Post-graduation, Jean worked in office accounting, both at Haber Furniture and Superior Industries, before becoming a homemaker to raise her three children.

Jean and her family were among one of the early parishioners of the IHM Church, upon moving to the "new" west side Norquest Boulevard neighborhood, and shortly thereafter marrying Henry "Hank" Doinoff in the church on May 18, 1957. She remained a devout Catholic and dedicated lifelong parishioner, lending her time and support to various activities such as bake sales, parish festivals, and the Altar and Rosary Society.

Her volunteer activities also included membership in the Italian American Veterans (ITAM) Post Three and treasurer of the Ladies Auxiliary, as well as helping patients at the Veterans Medical Center in Brecksville

In addition to volunteering her time, she also enjoyed sharing her Italian cooking and baking. Her Italian heritage was manifested in her conversational Italian, homemade pasta, fresh sauce and meatballs, and pizzelles, all her specialties. Her passion for food extended outside the home, where she often demonstrated food items at the local Giant Eagle.

Above all, Jean was devoted foremost to her family and friends. A kind person, Jean was always willing to lend a hand or ear, and never a disparaging word. She enjoyed life's simple pleasures, a cup of tea, a glass of wine, a bite to eat, a sweet treat, a game of cards, better when it included talking with family and friends. A must for many of her vacations, "always make time" to visit family and friends, even better if there was a gambling casino nearby.

Jean is survived by two sons, Nicholas (Theresa) Doinoff of North Lima and Jeffrey (Heidi) Doinoff of San Francisco; a daughter, Cindy (Kenneth) Gorczyca of North Ridgeville; a brother, Guy (Mary Jayne) Damore of Florida; six grandchildren, Jason Doinoff (fiancé Dr. Leah Divito), Dr. Cassandra (John) Slipski, Courtney Doinoff (Zach Crespo), Gregory, Zachary and Gina Gorczyca; two great-grandchildren, Sadie Crespo and Makenna Slipski; and many nieces and nephews from the Damore, Doinoff, Mastro, Piersant and Faber families.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Henry "Hank" Doinoff, in September of 2012; her sister, Ann Mastro; and her two brothers, Louis Damore and Attorney Lawrence Damore.

Family and friends may call Friday, Jan. 2, 2015, from 4 to 7 p.m. at the funeral home.

Jean's family would like to thank her many family and friends who helped care for her during her illness, including her sister-in-law, Julie Piersant, nieces Diane Mastro-Nard, Linda Tenney, and Elaine Doinoff, as well as Marilyn Partain, Mary Delsignore, Sally Absalom, and many others.

Visit www.higgins-readon.com to send condolences.