Mary Chrystal

CHIPPEWA LAKE - Prayers will begin Thursday morning at 9:15 a.m. at the Higgins-Reardon Funeral Home, Boardman-Canfield Chapel, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial, celebrated at 10 a.m. at St. Patrick's Church in Youngstown for Mary Beth Chrystal who passed on Saturday, Aug. 16, at the age of 53.

She was a resident of Chippewa Lake and lived in several places throughout her life, but claimed her birthplace, Youngstown, as her home. Mary Beth died peacefully after a life-long battle with diabetes.

Born Jan. 3, 1961, in Youngstown, Mary Beth was the daughter of George W. and Jane Elizabeth Lindsay Clarke. She grew up on Willis Avenue.

She married Peter V. Chrystal on April 28, 1984, in a beautiful ceremony at St. Patrick's Church, where she had attended grade school.

They had their one and only child, Lauren in 1986. In 1990, they left Youngstown and moved to Southern Ohio, where they lived for a couple of years. They then moved to Wilmington, Del. and experienced east coast living. After six years they moved again, this time across the country to Vancouver, Wash., which Mary Beth always remarked was her favorite place to live.

Mary Beth was a 1979 graduate of Cardinal Mooney. She attended John Carroll University for two years and then graduated from Youngstown State University, with a degree in Public Relations and Advertising. She worked for Y103 Sharon as a copy writer, her favorite job. Upon moving to Cambridge, she took a job with Pizza Hut and did not leave for 20 years, managing sites from coast to coast. She most enjoyed the opportunity to develop her staff and create close friendships.

Mary Beth was a people person and could not sit at home. She helped to establish the Medina County Ladies Ancient Order of Hibernians and was very active in all offices, as well as writing their newsletter. She also became President of her Home Owners Association, taking on many projects there as well.

She and her husband belonged to St. Francis of Xaviar in Medina. Mary Beth had a kind heart and a great sense of humor and her attitude was always contagious.

Mary Beth is survived by her husband, Pete of Chippewa Lake; her daughter and the joy of her life, Lauren Ann of Boston; her mother, who gave her knowledge and strength throughout her entire life, Jane (Lindsay) Clarke; and three brothers, Allen R. Clarke (Kate Neel) of Randolph, New Jersey, Thomas G. Clarke (Carol Dudash) of Youngstown, and David Clarke of Youngstown; and her uncle, Jack Lindsay, who acted as a second father. She leaves behind many members of her husband's family who were as close as natural born brothers and sisters, among them are Pat and Sandy Chrystal, Bill and Sharon Chrystal, Bob and Barb Chrystal, Jeff and Nora Chrystal, Marty, Sue, Beth, and Peg Chrystal. Her godchildren held a special place in her heart as well, Ashley Ragan, Patrick Clarke, and Thomas G. Clarke, perhaps her favorite, but don't tell Conor.

Mary Beth leaves behind many friends, including her best friend since before kindergarten, Susie Nelson Ragan. She does not know how she would have gotten through so many of life's trials and tribulations without her, and of course her baby, Alex (the cat).

Mary Beth was preceded in death by her father, George W. Clarke (1978), who left her much too early.

Friends may call Wednesday from 4 to 7 p.m. at the Higgins-Reardon Funeral Home, Boardman-Canfield Chapel.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the American Diabetes Association.