Mary L. Jaskela

Mary Lou Jaskela, 94, passed away peacefully in her sleep on Sunday, June 30, 2024, at the Sanctuary at Geneva. She was the beloved daughter of Wilma and Maurice Sherry of Ashtabula. Mary Lou was united in marriage with Donald W. Jaskela in October 1950, a loving partnership that lasted until his passing in November 1994. Mary Lou is survived by her two daughters, Lisa J. Bartling (John Bartling) of Dallas, Texas, and Jill J. Plassard of Ashtabula, Ohio. She was a cherished grandmother to Amanda Reshef (Dr. Evan Reshef) of Scottsdale, Arizona, Patrick Bartling of Dallas, Texas, Ashley Tornow (Drew Tornow) of Aurora, Ohio, and Abby Plassard of Painesville, Ohio. She was also the proud great-grandmother of Asher Reshef of Scottsdale, Arizona. Mary Lou leaves behind her sister, Dorothy Antonelli of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. She was preceded in death by her brothers, Patrick Sherry and Ned Sherry. Mary Lou was close to many wonderful nieces and nephews. After the passing of her husband, Don, Mary Lou found companionship with Gene Gephart, who became a caring figure in her life. A lifelong resident of Ashtabula, Mary Lou was a dedicated and active member of her community and her church, Mothers of Sorrows. She contributed her time and talents to various organizations, including the Wayside Garden Club, the Ladies Organization of the Elks Club, the Service League of Ashtabula County, and The Arts Center. Mary Lou was a charter board member of the Ashtabula Area Orchestra and served on the boards of the Ashtabula Harbor Restoration and the Ashtabula Metropolitan Housing Authority. She was a prominent figure in local politics and played a key role in passing the bond levy for new schools in Ashtabula. She was recognized for her career achievement in the Hall of Fame at Ashtabula and Harbor High Schools, where she graduated from Ashtabula High School in the Class of 1947. Mary Lou's educational journey took her to Kent State in Ashtabula. She began her career at the Ashtabula Telephone Company and later worked for the Ohio Bureau of Employment Services. In 1982, she embarked on a successful career in real estate with Harbor Realty, retiring in 1996. Known for her love of flowers, Mary Lou was celebrated for her exquisite floral arrangements and was often called upon to create lasting memories for special events. Her passion for flowers mirrored her dedication to her family, friends, and the city she loved dearly. Mary Lou will be deeply missed by her family, her numerous lifelong friends, the community of Ashtabula which she called home for 94 years, and her dedicated caregiver, Mary Cornelius, who provided her with loving care and companionship. A memorial mass will be held on July 17th at 2:00 PM at Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary Church, 30 Lockwood Street, Geneva, Ohio, with Father Conor Hetzel officiating. A calling hour will be held at the church from 1:00PM until the time of service at 2:00PM. Private burial will take place at Saint Joseph Cemetery at the convenience of the family. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in her name to either The Ashtabula Area Orchestra,, 6600 Sanborn Rd., Ashtabula, Ohio 44004, or Hospice of the Western Reserve, 1166 Lake Ave., Ashtabula, Ohio 44004. Ducro Funeral Services and Crematory, 4524 Elm Avenue, Ashtabula, is handling arrangements. Online obituary and condolences at http://www.ducro.com