Michaelena Pruneski 1936-2024

Michaelena, affectionately known as Mickey, was born April 28, 1936, in Girard, the daughter of the late Stephen and Lydia Casale Cretella, and was a lifelong Girard resident.

Mickey graduated from Girard High School in 1954 and pursued her passion for nursing at St. Elizabeth School of Nursing, graduating in 1957. Always seeking to grow and improve, she earned her Bachelor of Science degree in nursing from Youngstown State University in 1982, celebrating her academic achievement alongside her son, Stephen.

Her nursing career was marked by compassion and dedication, beginning as a pediatric nurse and later serving as head nurse at St. Elizabeth Youngstown Hospital. For 25 years, Mickey touched the lives of countless students and families as the school nurse for St. Rose and Girard schools, retiring in 2000. She was an active member of the St. Elizabeth Nursing School Alumni Club and a devoted parishioner of St. Rose Church.

Mickey found joy in many pursuits, including golf, playing cards with her high school classmates and planning class reunions. However, her greatest source of happiness came from her family. She treasured time spent with her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren, always cherishing their visits and milestones.

Michaelena is survived by her five children, Stephen (Nancy) Pruneski of Green, Ted Pruneski of Girard, Helen Hancock (fiance, Kevin Winebold) of Girard, Mary (Terry) Barnes of Girard and Patricia (Anthony) Zoccali of Cortland; her 10 grandchildren, Jerome Pruneski, Justin (Rochelle) Pruneski, Cory Hancock, Ryan (Maria) Hancock, Lindsey (Colson) Deetz, Lauren (Michael) Johanns, Stephen Pruneski, Joseph Barnes, Marissa Zoccali and Anthony Zoccali; nine great- grandchildren, Jaxon Pruneski, Noah and Nora Pruneski, Eva and Nolan Hancock, Connor and Charlie Deetz, Sophia and Austin Johanns, with another “on the way”; many extended family members, including Jeremy (Jessica) Barnes of Kentucky and Joshua (Kathryn) Barnes of Girard, and their families; and many dear friends.

Her husband of 63 years, Joseph A. Pruneski, whom she married April 12, 1958, died May 31, 2021.

Also preceding Michaelena in death were her sister, Jane Doran; her brother, Joseph Cretella; her brother-in-law, Bernard Doran; her sister-in-law, Carlene Cretella; and a step-grandson, Jason P. “JP” Barnes.

Family and friends may call 4 to 7 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 2, 2025, at Kinnick Funeral Home 222 S. State St., Girard.

Funeral services will begin 9:30 a.m. Friday, Jan. 3, 2025, at the funeral home, and continue with a Mass of Christian Burial at 10 a.m., at St. Rose Church 48 E. Main St., Girard.

Private interment will take place in Resurrection Cemetery, Austintown, where Michaelena will be laid to rest beside her beloved husband.

Mickey’s family suggests memorial contributions be made to either St. Rose Church or to St. Rose School Angel Fund.

The family extends their deepest gratitude to Annette Lastoria for her compassionate care in recent years; and to Lisa and Monica, for their ongoing kindness, love and support.

Michaelena’s life was one of service, love and joy, and her memory will live on in the hearts of all who knew her.

Visit kinnickfuneralhome.com to view and share this obituary and to send condolences to Mickey’s family.

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