Mary Valentine

BOARDMAN - Mary Louise Chick Valentine, 93 passed away peacefully, with her loving family beside her, on May 22, 2016.

Born Sept. 10, 1922, in Youngstown, Mary Louise was the first daughter of the late Louis (Luigi) Chick and Constance (Clemence Legay) Chick.

Mary Louise graduated from The Rayen School in 1941, and worked at Sealtest Dairy for several years. She also helped her dad with his corner grocery store as well. Several years later, she left the dairy to join the Pennsylvania/Penn Central/Conrail Railroad(s) until she retired in 1987. Mary grew to love the railroad over the years, having worked in both downtown Youngstown, and later at Goodman yard, supporting the industries of the community.

As a youngster, "M" was also known for being a "lefty," covering first base while playing mush ball with the local kids at Harrison field, in Youngstown's Sleepy Hollow neighborhood on the east side. She later played outfield with the Hubbard Girls, as well.

Mary valued friendship and loyalty and spoke fondly of her lifelong bonds with the girls of the east side "Begine" club, including her dear friends/sisters, the Lariccias and the Labates, among others.

While working, Mary also studied voice at Dana School of Music, and with a Mrs. Brenner for many years. She fondly spoke about her recitals and voice work throughout her life. She loved singing classical genre, and was designated as a dramatic soprano.

Mary Lou had been an active member of St. Charles Church since 1958, after she married her beloved "Val" on April 19, 1958. "Chick and Joe," as they were known together, met in their 30s at the Avon Oaks ballroom. They also danced with the rest of their family and friends, at the Idora Park ballroom. She continued to be active in the church choir with Joe, for many years. She also paid homage to her mother by dressing the Infant of Prague for over 30 years, bringing vestments and flowers for the current season. She enjoyed the over 55 club at both St. Charles and St. Dominic's, and all the friends she met there. She loved to play Bingo, and she cooked for Father Rice as well, for some time. A devout Catholic, Mary attended many Novenas and prayer services.

Mary's husband of 13 years, Joseph Eugene, a World War II veteran and a chemical engineer at Republic Steel, preceded her in death on Oct. 4, 1971. When Joe passed, Mary tenaciously took on her role of a single parent, raising her two children.

She leaves her cherished son, Joseph Frank of Boardman and daughter Germaine Bernadette of Beavercreek. Both siblings teamed together, exchanging caregiving responsibilities for Mary, in her later years. She especially loved her granddogs, Peanut, Pepper, Mindy and Jasmine.

Most certainly, Mary Louise was the vibrant family matriarch, as she firmly, but lovingly, supported her sisters and brothers who have all preceded her in death, Peter Ernest Chick (Eleanor), Anthony Chick, Jennie Barbara Popp (Nick), Ernestine Bernadette Pascale, and Ann Jeannette Berroteran (Joe). She loved them all so very dearly.

"Aunt M" will also be affectionately remembered and missed by 50 plus nieces and nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews, and several twice great-nieces and twice great-nephews. She would like them all to know that she loved them very much. As well, she leaves numerous cousins and dear friends.

Calling hours will be held from 6 to 8 p.m., Thursday, at the Higgins-Reardon Funeral Homes, Boardman-Canfield Chapel.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Charles Borromeo Church in Boardman on Friday at 10 a.m., with calling hours from 9 to 9:50 a.m. at the church.

Mary Louise will be laid to rest at Calvary Cemetery in Youngstown, next to her husband and her parents.

In lieu of flowers, material contributions may be made in Mary Louise's name to St. Charles Borromeo Church, 7345 Westview Drive, Boardman, OH 44512, or to the American Heart Association.

Please visit www.higgins-reardon.com to send condolences.