Ann Theresa Monroe 1922-2025

Born on Feb. 16, 1922, in Youngstown, Ann Theresa Monroe was the eldest of seven children born to George and Celeste Leone Vecchione, who came to Youngstown from the town of Barrea, Italy, in the area known as Aquila.

After attending Woodrow Wilson High School, Ann worked at various jobs. During World War II, she assisted the war effort by working one year at Republic Steel before working several years at The Packard Electric Company. She proudly relinquished her job at Packard when the soldiers came home from the war. She finished her work career at the G.C. Murphy Company in downtown Youngstown.

As a lifetime member, Ann received all of her sacraments at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Basilica in Youngstown. It was here that Ann and John A. Monroe Sr. were married on Aug. 27, 1949.

They grew their new family of two to become a family of six with their children — Dominic, Janet, John Jr. and Anthony. It is here that she will be laid to rest.

Ann will reunite in Heaven with her husband of 58 years John Sr.; her son, Dominic; sisters,

Thomasine Marsco, Angeline Palombaro and Jean Cohen; as well as her brothers, Carmen and Henry Vecchione; and her parents, Ma and Pa.

With her loving heart, Ann leaves behind three children: sons, John A. (Jill) Monroe and Anthony J. Monroe and his fiancee, Mary Helen DeFrank; as well as her daughter, Janet (Charles) Bieterman. She also leaves behind her daughter-in-law, Linda Monroe; sister, Mary Rondinelli; sister-in-law, Donna Vecchione; and numerous nieces and nephews. Ann’s eight grandchildren are Lynn (Ryan) Capezio, John E. (Shannon) Monroe, Caren (David) Stajninger, Sarah (Matt) Bezzarro, Jack Bieterman, Lauren (Brian) Hull, Katie Monroe and Alyse Monroe (Michael Rosa). Ann’s 11 great-grandchildren are Dominic and Hailey Monroe, Ella Monroe, Cate and Callie Stajninger, Isabella, Adelina and Lucas Hull, Sophia and Athena Rosa, and Sebastian Bezzarro. Her three stepgrandchildren are Sara, Leila and Amira Kamal.

Her three step-great-grandchildren are Peyton, Elena and Olivia Bezzarro.

Ann’s true career as mother and homemaker left an indelible stamp on her family as they remember the traditions, the meals and the recipes. She loved it all and did it so well.

She will be greatly missed.

The family wishes to extend their deepest gratitude to the Poland Shepherd of the Valley directors, nurses and aides who tended Ann as family. We cannot thank you enough.

Family and friends may pay their respects from 8:45 to 9:45 a.m. Friday, Feb. 28, at the Basilica of Our Lady of Mount Carmel. A Mass of Christian Burial will follow at 10 a.m.

In lieu of flowers those who wish can donate to the Mahoning County Veterans Service, 345 Oak Hill Ave., Suite 100, Youngstown, Ohio 44502.

Professional arrangements are being handled by Higgins-Reardon Funeral Homes, Boardman-Canfield Chapel.

(special notice)