GIRARD - Constance M. "Connie" Carasi, 97, passed away peacefully, Friday morning, May 3, 2024, in the comfort of her home.

Connie was born March 7, 1927, in Girard, the daughter of the late Daniel and Charlotte Mills Martin. She remained a lifelong resident of Girard. Connie graduated from Girard High School in the class of 1945. Following her education, she briefly worked at McKelvey's Department Store before dedicating her life to raising and caring for her family.

Connie was a devout member of St. Rose Church throughout her life. She generously volunteered her time with her church, St. Rose School, and the Girard community. Additionally, Connie was an active member of the St. Rose Mt. Carmel Society and the Oblate Sisters Auxiliary, where she served as past president.

A significant part of Connie's life was her involvement with the Knights of Columbus Girard Council 2935 and Ohio District One Fourth Degree, driven by her husband Phillip's dedication to the organization. She served as past president of the Girard Knights of Columbus Ladies Auxiliary.

Family was paramount to Connie, and she treasured the countless gatherings, holidays, family vacations and trips to Italy throughout the years. Her love of cooking and baking inspired her family to carry on the traditions of an Italian Christmas Eve and her fabulous Easter Cream Cakes that she and her mother, Charlotte, made faithfully for so many family and friends. She always enjoyed a party and was sure to be found on the dance floor with her husband, Phil, doing the polka or an Italian waltz. She was at all of her grandchildren's activities including volunteering at their performances with Ballet Western Reserve.

Connie leaves to forever cherish her memory her beloved daughter, Charlene, and son-in-law, Gregory Pastore of Girard; her two grandchildren, Cristina Constance Pastore of Atlanta, GA.,and Phillip (Maria) Pastore of Los Angeles, CA; numerous extended family members and cousins, including Jane (Harry) Dampf of Canfield and Godchild, Patricia Bellitt of Austintown, who shared a particularly close bond with Connie, and many dear friends who affectionately called her "Nanee" as her grandchildren did.

Connie's warm presence, unwavering dedication, and loving spirit will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing her.

Her husband of 57 years, Phillip James Carasi, whom she married April 10, 1948, died October 9, 2005. Besides her parents, Dan and Charlotte Martin, Connie was preceded in death by her in-laws, Nick and Maggie Carasi.

Connie's family wishes to extend their love and appreciation to her nurse and caregivers who gave her such exceptional care and much love; Carole, Danielle, Denise, Jackie, Rita along with Bonnie, and Stephanie; which allowed them to fulfill her wish of remaining in her own home.

Family and friends may call from 4 to 7 p.m. on Friday, May 10, 2024, at Kinnick Funeral Home 222 S. State St., Girard.

Funeral services will begin at 9:15 a.m. on Saturday, May 11, 2024, at the funeral home and continue with a Mass of Christian Burial which will be celebrated at 10 a.m. at St. Rose Church 48 E. Main St., Girard.

Entombment will follow at Calvary Cemetery in Youngstown where Connie will be laid to rest beside her beloved husband, Phillip.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Connie's memory to the Oblate Sisters 50 Warner Rd., Hubbard, OH 44425 or to the Emmanuel Community Care Center 2 N. State St., Girard, Ohio 44420.