Mary M. Lalama

Mary Marcella La Lama passed away from an acute illness and Alzheimers on June 17th in Sarasota, Florida where she had made her home with her loving companion, Milton Soto. Mary was born in Roccaraso, Italy on April 29th,1932. She was the daughter of Elizabetta and Santino Liberatore. Mary came to the U.S. in 1947 and lived in Waterberry, Connecticut. Two years later, she moved to Youngstown, Ohio where she raised her family. Mary worked as a hairdresser and salon owner for many years. She retired to Jacksonville, Florida in 1984 then relocated to Sarasota in 2013.   Mary participated in many organizations and activities. She was president of the Youngstown Hairdressers Association during a period of her career. In Florida, she was active in her church and a member of the YMCA into her 80s. She volunteered for Jacksonville hospitals and enjoyed being an usher for the Jacksonville Opera House. Mary is survived by her four children: Mary Lou Allen (John) [Poland, Ohio], Cynthia Ricciulli [Niles, Ohio], Bettina Phelps [Sarasota, Florida], and Richard La Lama (Lorrie) [San Diego, California]. Mary was blessed with seven grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren. Mary is survived by her sister Bruna Rongone (Frank Rongone) She was preceded in death by her parents, sister Franca, brother Carmine, and two son-in-laws, Phillip Ricciulli and Richard Phelps. There will be a memorial service at Green Haven Cemetery in Canfield at 11:00 AM on July 7th. There are no calling hours. Family and friends may view this obituary and send condolences at www.lanefuneralhomes.com.