Ann Louise (Herschel) Mika

Ann Louise (Herschel) Mika, age 92, died peacefully at the home of her daughter, Joann.

Ann was born on July 23, 1931, to Mary Vera (McFarland) and Henry H. Herschel. She was a 1949 graduate of Austintown Fitch High School. She received a Bachelor of Arts degree in social work from Youngstown College in 1955. Ann worked for Mahoning County Children Services and later for the Catholic Service League of the Diocese of Youngstown for 25 years. She loved her work and had a passion for helping others. Her focus was working with couples who wanted to adopt a child. Ann placed many children into loving homes. Over the years, many of those children and their families kept in touch with her. She attended graduations, weddings, and had an array of Christmas cards with pictures and notes of happy families.

Ann was a former member of the Immaculate Heart of Mary Church in Austintown. She belonged to the Altar and Rosary Society, Home and School, and was the first driving instructor for the Notre Dame Sisters. After moving to Salem 30 years ago, Ann was a member of St. Paul Catholic Church. She was an active member of the St. Paul funeral buffet committee, St. Paul School volunteer, Vacation Bible School volunteer, and the Legion of Mary prayer group. Ann also belonged to the Salem Quota Club, a longtime Girl Scout Leader and a proud member of the Catholic Collegiate since 1955.

Ann married Stanley H. Mika on August 4, 1956, and they enjoyed 46 years together until his death on October 22, 2002. Ann is survived by three daughters, Joann Dombroski, Amy (Joseph) Cappuzzello, and Judy (Harry) Anzevino all of Salem, Ohio.

Affectionately known as “Mama” Ann leaves twelve grandchildren: Dr. Joseph (Krista) Dombroski, Dr. James (Amanda) Dombroski, Dr. Ann (Dr. Thomas) DeChellis, Dr. Kerry Dombroski, Julie (Andrew) Schuler, Jenny (Adam) Mangus, Atty. Ryan Cappuzzello, Mary Cappuzzello, John Cappuzzello (fiancée Kristen), Atty. Patrick Anzevino, Michael Anzevino, and Anthony Anzevino.

Ann leaves seven great-grandchildren: Adalyn Dombroski, Thomas and Lucas DeChellis, Claire Dombroski, Jack and Amelia Mangus, and Hannah Schuler.

She was preceded in death by her parents, an infant daughter, Diane, and siblings George (Elizabeth) Herschel, Marjorie (Dr. Donald) Dockry, Bernard (Dorothy) Herschel, and Mary Joan Janosik.

Family will receive friends Tuesday July 2, 2024, from 6:00-8:00 p.m. at Stark Memorial Funeral Home, 1014 E. State St. in Salem. A funeral mass will be Wednesday July 3, 2024, at St. Paul Catholic Church at 11 a.m. with Fr. Joseph Ruggieri officiating. Burial to follow at Resurrection Cemetery in Austintown.

Memorial contributions in Ann’s memory may be made to Catholic Charities Adoption and Foster Care, 140 Richmond Rd., Euclid, Ohio 44143 or to Ohio Living Home Health and Hospice of Greater Youngstown, 6715 Tippecanoe Rd., Bldg. E., Suite 201, Canfield, Ohio 44406.

Ann’s family would like to thank Tammy, Leah, Teresa, Ali, and Chaplain Dan of Ohio Living Hospice for their compassionate care and friendship over the past two and a half years.

A very special thank you to Tonya Papic for her loving and compassionate care for Ann.

If unable to attend, join our complimentary "Hugs from Home" program at www.starkmemorial.com/hugs-from-home.

Arrangements are being handled by Stark Memorial Funeral Home and Cremation Services.

To view Ann's obituary, send condolences, or order flowers visit www.starkmemorial.com.

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