Bessie J. (Zackaria) Thomas

Boardman - There will be a Divine Liturgy of Christian Burial held on Friday, April 6, 2018 at 1:00 pm at St. Maron Church, 1555 S. MeridianRd., Youngstown, with Chorbishop Michael Kail officiating for Bessie J. Thomas, 93, of Boardman, who peacefully passed away on Easter Sunday, April 1, 2018.

Bessie will always be remembered and loved by her family and friends for being such a sweet, kind, caring woman along with her sense of humor and ability to light up a room.

She was born June 3, 1924 in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania, the daughter of John and Anna (Ellis) Zackaria and moved to the Youngstown area in 1945.

Bessie was a proud homemaker and a true matriarch for her family. She loved to cook and bake, and her door was always open to everyone. It brought her great joy when she was spending time with her grandchildren and great grandchildren whom she adored.

She was a member of St. Maron Church and its St. Tobias Society and the Ladies Sodality Society.

Bessie had many passions throughout her life and loved playing bingo.

Her husband Elmer H. Thomas whom she married February 8, 1945 died August 19, 1991.

She leaves behind to hold onto her precious memories her beloved children Anthony “OJ” (Karen) Thomas of Canfield, Diana (Larry) Berringer of Boardman and John Thomas of Canfield, two grandchildren Leanna (David) Kemble and Matthew (Lauren) Thomas and four great-grandchildren Jackson, Thomas and Grant Kemble and Livia Thomas.

Besides her parents and husband, Bessie was preceded in death by a brother Anthony Zackaria.  

Family and friends may pay their respects on Friday, April 6, 2018 from 12:00 pm until 12:45 pm at St. Maron Church, 1555 S. Meridian Rd., Youngstown.

Burial will take place at the Calvary Cemetery, Youngstown.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the professional care of the Rossi & Santucci Funeral Home, 4221 Market St., Boardman (new location).

Family and friends may visit www.rossisantuccifh.com to view this obituary,

sign the guest book and send condolences to Bessie’s Family.

On behalf of Bessie’s family, they would like to express their sincere appreciation to the entire staff of the Hospice of the Valley for all the care and compassion shown to them throughout this difficult time.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Bessie J. (Zackaria) Thomas, please visit our floral store.