GIRARD - Michaelena "Mickey" Pruneski, 88, passed away peacefully, Saturday morning, December 28, 2024, in the comfort of her home.

Michaelena, who was affectionately known as Mickey, was born April 28, 1936, in Girard, the daughter of the late Stephen and Lydia Casale Cretella and was a lifelong Girard resident.

Mickey graduated from Girard High School in 1954 and pursued her passion for nursing at St. Elizabeth School of Nursing, graduating in 1957. Always seeking to grow and improve, she earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) from Youngstown State University in 1982, celebrating her academic achievement alongside her son, Stephen.

Her nursing career was marked by compassion and dedication, beginning as a pediatric nurse and later serving as head nurse at St. Elizabeth Hospital. For 25 years, Mickey touched the lives of countless students and families as the school nurse for St. Rose and Girard Schools, retiring in 2000. She was an active member of the St. Elizabeth Nursing School Alumni Club and a devoted parishioner of St. Rose Church.

Mickey found joy in many pursuits, including golf, playing cards with her high school classmates, and planning class reunions. However, her greatest source of happiness came from her family. She treasured time spent with her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, always cherishing their visits and milestones.

Michaelena is survived by her five children, Stephen (Nancy) Pruneski of Green, Ted Pruneski of Girard, Helen Hancock (fiancé Kevin Winebold) of Girard, Mary (Terry) Barnes of Girard and Patricia (Anthony) Zoccali of Cortland; her 10 grandchildren, Jerome Pruneski, Justin (Rochelle) Pruneski, Cory Hancock, Ryan (Maria) Hancock, Lindsey (Colson) Deetz, Lauren (Michael) Johanns, Stephen Pruneski, Joseph Barnes, Marissa Zoccali and Anthony Zoccali; nine great grandchildren, Jaxon Pruneski, Noah and Nora Pruneski, Eva and Nolan Hancock, Connor and Charlie Deetz, Sophia and Austin Johanns with another "on the way;" many extended family members including, Jeremy(Jessica) Barnes of Kentucky and Joshua (Kathryn) Barnes of Girard and their families and many dear friends.

Her husband of 63 years, Joseph A. Pruneski, whom she married April 12, 1958, died May 31, 2021.

Also preceding Michaelena were her sister, Jane Doran; her brother, Joseph Cretella; her brother-in-law, Bernard Doran; her sister-in-law, Carlene Cretella, and a step grandson, Jason P. "JP" Barnes.

Family and friends may call from 4 to 7 p.m. on Thursday, January 2, 2025, at Kinnick Funeral Home 222 S. State St., Girard.

Funeral services will begin at 9:30 a.m. on Friday, January 3, 2025, 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.

Private interment will take place at Resurrection Cemetery in Austintown where Michaelena will be laid to rest beside her beloved husband.

Mickey's family suggests memorial contributions be made to either St. Rose Church or to St. Rose School Angel Fund.

The family extends their deepest gratitude to Annette Lastoria for her compassionate care in recent years and to Lisa and Monica for their ongoing kindness, love and support.

Michaelena's life was one of service, love, and joy, and her memory will live on in the hearts of all who knew her.