Daris D. ‘Lady’ Laird 1934-2024

Born Feb. 25, 1934, and raised in Youngstown, Daris was a 1952 South High School graduate. Following graduation, she worked in several retail stores in downtown Youngstown, including City Office and Art, later known as Kolesar Co.

In 1979, she purchased Kolesar Co., and after moving the business to the Uptown area of Market Street, established it as Kolesar Office and Art Co. Inc. To her fellow merchants — and throughout the city — she was known as “Lady.” Lady enjoyed many years providing Mahoning Valley residents, YSU students and faculty, and area businesses with fine art materials and quality office supplies. But she most enjoyed getting to know the area’s many local artists, whose work was displayed throughout the community, as well as in her store.

In 1980, Lady and many of the small business owners on Market Street founded the Market Street Merchants Association. The organization became a 501(c)(3) and was successful in obtaining funds to revitalize the Market Street corridor. Their accomplishments included new sidewalks, signage and facades for most of the businesses along Market Street. They worked with Mayor Ungaro’s administration and other city officials and were recognized as a leader in the revitalization of the main corridors leading into the City of Youngstown.

When Kolesar Office and Art Co. Inc. closed in 1988, Lady continued to work with the Merchants’ Association until 1991, then retired to her home in Boardman.

Although she greatly enjoyed her work in retail, Lady’s true passions were her family and her faith. Her church involvements included opening her home for Bible studies, supporting missionaries, and sharing her belief in Jesus as Savior and Lord. Lady also volunteered at CareNet, which later became the Pregnancy Help Center. She is a current member of Poland Village Baptist Church.

Lady was especially proud of the accomplishments of her children. She leaves a daughter, Susan D. Laird, with whom she shared a home; and a son, Rod (Lisa) Laird. Rod and Lisa gave her two adoring grandchildren, Lauren (Brian) Wheatley and Justin (Kathleen) Laird. Lady also leaves three great-grandchildren, Vayla, Silas and Jessa Wheatley. A fourth great-grandchild, “Baby” Laird is due soon.

Lady was preceded in death by her parents, Axel Isadore and Amanda Carlson Johnson, both of whom immigrated to America from Sweden; and a sister, Irene Huffman.

Family and friends may call 10 a.m. to noon Saturday, Jan. 27, 2024, at the Fox Funeral Home, Boardman, where funeral services will follow at noon.

Lady asked that in lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Pregnancy Help Center, 4845 Market St. #13, Youngstown, OH 44512.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the Edward J. Fox & Sons Funeral Home, 4700 Market St., Boardman. Family and friends of Daris may visit www.foxfuneralhome.org to view this obituary and to leave condolences for the Laird family.

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