Wilma Florence (Rajala) Fantauzzi

Boardman - Wilma Florence Rachel Rajala Fantauzzi, 99, peacefully departed this side of life on Nov. 26. Wilma was born June 24, 1926, in Monessen, Pa., the seventh child of Matthew and Amanda Rajala.

In 1944, Wilma graduated salutatorian from Monessen High School. She then completed coursework at the Stenographic Institute of Pittsburgh and worked as a stenotypist at a national company in Pittsburgh, before marrying the love of her life, Lawrence “Bud” Fantauzzi, in 1946.

That same year, the newlywed couple relocated to Ohio, settling first in Youngstown near Bud’s uncle, Rudy Daprile. In 1949, Wilma and Bud’s growing family moved to Boardman. Over the years, Bud’s job took them to other states, but they always found their way back to Boardman, which they called home for most of their lives.

Family meant everything to Wilma. She adored her parents and deeply admired her older siblings, Ina, Oliver, and George. She stayed in touch with them and her extended family, speaking fondly of them throughout her life. Wilma also loved keeping in touch with Bud's brothers, sisters, and extended family. She and Bud found joy in raising their three children, and she was a constant companion to and supporter of her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Wilma cast a wide net with her love, kindness, and generosity. Family, friends, and neighbors were always welcome in her home. She donated to charities frequently, greeted everyone with a smile, and will be remembered as a gentle soul who navigated life with patience and grace. She weathered any storm with her secret, inner sisu strength.

Wilma delighted in baking desserts and hosting Sunday family dinners. She relaxed by playing bingo, Scrabble, and other word games, completing crossword puzzles, and listening to music, even singing and playing the piano at times. She was a life-long nature lover, caring for the family’s pets, and always admiring God’s creations. She enjoyed watching sports, especially basketball and golf. She also tried her hand at golf and bowling.

A lover of words, Wilma was fluent in Finnish and English and was an avid reader of a variety of books. Her favorite book was the Bible. Wilma instilled a love of God and reading that spans generations. She was the family’s red-headed matriarch with many talents, interests, and keen sense of humor, including an ability to tolerate puns and play practical jokes. She believed in the power of prayer, becoming the family’s go-to prayer warrior.

Wilma will be deeply missed by her son and daughter-in-law David (Vivian) Fantauzzi; daughter and son-in-law Doris (Joseph) Mancini; daughter-in-law Claudia (Larry) Fantauzzi; five grandchildren; seven step-grandchildren; numerous great-grandchildren, nephews, nieces and cousins; and countless friends.

Wilma was preceded in death by her beloved husband, her parents, all six siblings, her eldest son Larry, and his late wife, daughter-in-law Judy Fantauzzi. 

A funeral mass and celebration of Wilma’s life was held on December 3, 2025

 at St. Charles Borromeo Church in Boardman with Reverend James M. Daprile Jr. as celebrant.

Entombment took place at Calvary Cemetery, Youngstown.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the professional care of the Rossi and Santucci Funeral Home, 4221 Market St., Boardman.

The family is eternally grateful to Dr. Charles Wilkins; the staff at Paisley House, Shepherd of the Valley, and Akeso Health Care; Reverend G. David Weikart, Reverend James M. Daprile, Jr., Pastor Elder Clay, and Jennifer Loveless of Care Builders at Home, for their care, visits, prayers, kindness, and support.

Wilma asked that, in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions be made to Angels for Animals or Paisley House.

Family and friends may visit www.rossisantuccifh.com to view this obituary and send condolences to Wilma’s family.

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