Mary E. Sabol 1945-2025

Mary was born Dec. 8, 1945.

Her academic journey began at Chaney High School, where her membership in the National Honor Society foreshadowed a lifelong pursuit of knowledge. She earned a Bachelor of Science in education from Youngstown State University, where she was inducted into Kappa Delta Pi, an academic honor society. Her thirst for learning led her to a master’s degree in reading instruction from Westminster College, and further studies at Xavier University, Kent State University and the University of Notre Dame. Those summers at Notre Dame, filled with intellectual stimulation and cherished friendships, held a special place in her heart.

Mary’s professional life was as diverse as her interests. From her early days at Murphy’s and Strouss in Youngstown to her meticulous work on patent writing and historical preservation and displays for the Youngstown Arms Museum, she approached every endeavor with dedication. Her true calling, however, was education. As a first-grade teacher in the Western Reserve School District of Berlin Center, and later as a beloved second and third-grade teacher in the Warren City Public Schools, she ignited a love of learning in countless young minds. Her selection as a Jennings Scholar and her nomination for Disney Teacher of the Year underscored her exceptional talent and commitment.

Mary’s life was defined by her extraordinary resilience. A childhood battle with polio led to vocal cord paralysis, but it did not silence her spirit. Instead, it fueled a quest to regain her voice. Mary’s relentless research led to NASA requesting that she develop a protocol for Teflon’s use in astronaut voice communication, which was accepted and furthered by the agency. This groundbreaking research ultimately led to her successful voice restoration at the Mayo Clinic. During this nine-year journey to regain her voice, Mary applied her ingenuity to ensure she could continue teaching, partnering with HAM radio operators to create specialized microphone equipment that allowed her to communicate with her students. This remarkable story exemplifies Mary’s determination and her ability to turn adversity into triumph.

Beyond her professional achievements, Mary’s heart resonated with music. She was a longtime member of the Warren Civic Chorus, served on its Board of Directors, and cherished her 20 years singing in the Messiah Christmas performance. Her beautiful voice also graced the Blessed Sacrament Choir at St. Teresa of Calcutta Parish.

Mary’s commitment to her community was profound. She served as Secretary for the Trumbull Area Reading Council and the Warren Education Association. Her involvement with the Korey Stringer Foundation, where she planned activities and spoke at Korey’s funeral, demonstrated her compassion and dedication to supporting others. She also served as a Judge at the Board of Elections, played in the Cortland Community Band, and found solace and connection in the Akron and Penn-Ohio Post-Polio Groups.

Mary was preceded in death by her parents, Elizabeth Bernadette Ganofsky and Michael Stephen Sabol; her brother, Michael Edward Sabol and her sister, Ruth Elaine Sabol. She leaves behind her goddaughter, Stacey Lapinski Dorr and her godson, Kristopher Kripchak. Her life was enriched by deep and meaningful friendships. She treasured her bonds with Shari French, Barbara Loomis, Joanne Bode, Anna Calderas, Julie Mitylewicz, Kathy (Frank) Lapinski, Margie (Richard) Williams and family, and Linda (Lyle) Thompson and their children (Heidi, Julie, Donna, Matthew and Mark). The enduring friendship she shared with Irene Ondo Bupp and Ethel Santha Kripchak was a cornerstone of her life. Irene and her children, Christopher (Meghan) and their children (Charlotte and Ethan) and Steven and his son (Keller), and Ethel (Joe) and their children (Kristopher (Kay) and Michael), embraced Mary as family.

Mary Sabol’s life was a symphony of courage, intellect and love. She leaves behind a legacy of inspiration, reminding us that even in the face of challenges, the human spirit can soar. Her voice, both literal and metaphorical, will continue to resonate in the hearts of all who knew her. Family and friends may visit and pay tribute to Mary from 4 to 6 p.m. on Friday afternoon, March 21, 2025, at the Peter Rossi & Son Memorial Chapel of Warren, 1884 North Road NE. Additional Calling hours will be from 10 to 11 a.m. on Saturday, March 22, 2025, at St. Teresa of Calcutta Parish – Blessed Sacrament Church, 3020 Reeves Road NE, Warren, Ohio 44483.

A Funeral Mass will follow at 11 a.m. on Saturday at the church.

A private burial will be in Calvary Cemetery in Youngstown.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the men’s club of Blessed Sacrament Church or the St. Vincent DePaul Society at St. Teresa of Calcutta Parish or to the Cortland Community Band.

Family and friends may visit www.peterrossiandsonfh.com to view this obituary, sign the guest book and send condolences to Mary’s friends and family.

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