Myra J. Giangardella 1959-2022

Myra was born March 14, 1959, in Warren, the middle of six children.

She spent her teen years playing her guitar and piano, finding comfort in the music of Dan Fogelberg, The Eagles, Jackson Browne and many other 70s classics. She was a 1977 graduate of Niles McKinley High School and earned her Bachelor of Science degree in nursing from Youngstown State University in 1996, while raising three young children.

Myra worked as a certified rehabilitation registered nurse for many years, eventually changing careers to pursue clinical nursing informatics. She most recently worked as the director of operations, Mercy Health Physicians — Youngstown, retiring in December 2020. Although a brilliant and accomplished professional, Myra’s career is not what defined her. She found true happiness when spending time with her family — cooking meals and baking, playing games, hiking with her husband, keeping a beautiful and welcoming home, having long talks with her daughters and enjoying family trips to North Myrtle Beach.

She especially enjoyed laughing, playing and singing with her grandsons, whom she adored. Fiercely independent and full of energy, Myra marched to the beat of her own drum. She always knew the right thing to say and was a calming presence and faithful counselor to many. A woman of deep faith, Myra enjoyed attending church and participating in worship music and bible study. Universally loved, Myra will be deeply missed by many.

Myra met her high school sweetheart, Michael, at Niles McKinley High School, when they were 16 years old. After dating for seven years, they married on Sept. 11, 1982. Michael and Myra were loving, devoted partners and best friends, who truly enjoyed the company of one another.

Myra leaves behind her husband, Michael; three daughters, Amanda Giangardella and her husband, Jeremy Bryant of Los Angeles, Monica Frantz and her husband, Dan of Cleveland and Annie Giangardella of Denver; two grandsons, Luca and Leonardo Frantz; two sisters, Debbie King of Niles and Sandi Westall of Savannah; two brothers, David (Mindy) Flannery of Savannah and Stephen Flannery of Cleveland; two brothers-in-law, Philip Giangardella of Niles and David (Linda) Giangardella of Niles; and her precious dog, Vito. Myra will also be missed by many nieces, nephews and cousins.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Eugene and Faye Flannery; brother, Michael Flannery; father-in-law, Philip Giangardella; mother-in-law, Catherine Giangardella; brothers-in-law, Joe Westall and Tom King; and her cherished dogs, Sonny and Vincent.

Myra’s family thanks the many doctors, nurses and medical staff of St. Elizabeth Hospital and The Cleveland Clinic for their care and compassion for Myra during her illness.

Friends may call from 5 to 7 p.m. Monday, June 13, 2022, at The Joseph Rossi and Sons Funeral Home in Niles. Funeral service will be held 11 a.m., preceded by calling hours beginning at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, June 14, 2022, at the funeral home, with Pastor Kyle Tennant officiating. Burial will be in Niles City Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, material contributions in Myra’s memory can be made to Regeneration Church, 1128 State Road NW Warren, OH 44481, or online at www.myregen.org. Contributions can also be made to Family Reach at www.familyreach.org, a nonprofit organization dedicated to removing the financial barriers standing between cancer patients and their treatment.

Arrangements are being handled by The Joseph Rossi and Sons Funeral Home in Niles. Family and friends can visit www.josephrossifuneralhome.com to view this obituary and send condolences to Myra’s family.

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