MINERAL RIDGE, Ohio (MyValleyTributes) – Virginia M. Jacola, 96, passed away Saturday morning, May 18 at her home with her daughter by her side.
She was born August 10, 1927 in Hillsville, Pennsylvania, the daughter of the late Patsy and Maria Femia Argiro. She spent most of her childhood there and graduated from Bessemer High School.
She met the love of her life, Anthony “Jake” Jacola, at a party with friends and they were married at Saint Lawrence Church in Hillsville, Pennsylvania on September 27, 1947. He passed away August 24, 2019.
Virginia’s priorities were her family and home (which she kept up meticulously). Her kitchen was her favorite place to be, where she was the consummate cook and baker. She made so very many delicious meals, desserts, cookies, which her family thoroughly enjoyed during the holidays and throughout the year. Her Italian sauce was the ultimate! (As was her pasta and meatballs, lasagna, chicken cacciatore and homemade pizza to a few).
In her younger days, she enjoyed shopping and listening to music (especially her absolute favorite, Frank Sinatra!) She always enjoyed her peanut butter and jelly sandwiches and goodies with her coffee on a daily basis.
When her twins were in high school, Virginia went to work for JCPenney‘s in the Mahoning Plaza, Wickliffe Isaly‘s and Colla Market in Austintown. After 32 years, she retired in 1997.
Virginia is survived by her daughter and caregiver, Jan Sternagel of Canfield; three granddaughters, Stacey (Atty. Steven) Schermer of Weston, Florida, Ms. Lesley Gent of Hollywood, Florida and Rebecca (Atty. John) Silva of Foxboro, Massachusetts; four great-grandchildren, Hayley and Brooke Schermer of Weston, Florida and Katelynn Dineen and Andrew Silva of Foxboro, Massachusetts.
She was also preceded in death by her twin daughter, Janice (Tom) Gent; son-in-law, Richard Sternagel; brothers, Patsy (Nellie) Argiro, John (Florence) Argiro, Frank (Marie) Argiro and Joe (Marianne) Argiro; sisters, Rose (Larry) Propri, Ida (Steve) Markovic, and Inez (Tony) Sinibaldi and grandson, Timothy Alan, who died at birth.
Family and friends may call Saturday, May 25, 2024 from 10:00 – 11:45 a.m. at St. Mary’s Catholic Church; where a Mass of Christian Burial will follow at 12:00 p.m. at the church she attended and loved so much.
She will be laid to rest at Resurrection Cemetery.
Virginia will be truly missed by her daughter, Jan, family and friends.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Mary’s Catholic Church, 3504 S. Main Street, Mineral Ridge, OH 44440.
Professional arrangements are being handled by Higgins-Reardon Funeral Homes, Austintown Chapel.
A television tribute will air Tuesday May 21 at the following approximate times: 5:17 a.m. on WKBN, 8:39 a.m. on FOX, 5:21 p.m. on WYTV and 6:35 p.m. on MyYTV. Video will be posted here the day of airing.
