C. Paren

ASHTABULA - Carmel Josephine Paren, 97, longtime resident of W. 30th St., passed away Friday June 26, 2020 at the home of her daughter in North Olmsted.

She was born in Ashtabula on April 11, 1923 the daughter of Dominic and Madeline (Bertone) Palumbo.

Josephine has been a lifelong resident of Ashtabula.  She graduated from Ashtabula High School in 1942.  Josephine worked for Sears-Roebuck for over 20 years as a Division Manager.  following her retirement from Sears she went on to work in the cafeteria at St. Joseph Elementary School.

She was a lifelong member of St. Joseph Church. She was a member of the St. Joseph Women's Guild and the Isabella Guild of the Knights of Columbus.  Josephine worked along with Sr. Laurie and many other devoted women in The Beaded Craft Girls, an organization that helped raise money for the poverty-stricken members of our community.  She was also a longtime volunteer with the Ashtabula Chapter of the Red Cross at the blood drives.

She is survived by her loving family: her daughter Linda Barrier of North Olmsted; her grandchildren: Sean Cogan, Kirsten (Matthew) Alves, Michele (Eric) Seyer, Jason (Cindy) Safcik, Renee (Craig) MacGregor, Ronald (Susie) and Robert (Heather) Barrier; her great-grandchildren: Britany, Joseph, Joshua, Sierra, Mikayla, Olive, Poppy, Maddelynn, Avery, Marlowe and Maverick; as well as many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband Joseph Frank Paren; four of her children: Frances (James) Cogan, Celeste (Michael) Safcik, Philip Paren and Joseph Frank Paren Jr.; four sisters: Antoinette Oscar, Mary Fuerst, Anna Marie Namestick and Rita Shampine; as well as two brothers: Joseph and Paul Palumbo.

Calling hours will be held on Tuesday from 5:00 to 7:00 pm at Czup Funeral Home, 1329 Lake Avenue Ashtabula.  A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Wednesday at 11:00 am at St. Joseph Church (Our Lady Of Peace Parish), 3312 Lake Avenue, Ashtabula; Rev. David Bridling will preside. Burial will follow in St. Joseph Cemetery, Ashtabula.

Memorial contributions can be made to the American Diabetes Association, envelopes will be available at the funeral home.

The Czup Funeral Home, under the direction and assistance of Michael Czup, Bud Williams and Thomas Kane is honored to serve Josephine and her family during this difficult time.