Marilyn (McGarry) LaPaze

Boardman- On May 17th, two months shy of her 83rd birthday, Marilyn LaPaze left this Earth for a spot in the choir in Heaven. Born in Campbell in 1933 to Nellie and William McGarry, Marilyn was the 8th of 9 children. She graduated from Campbell Memorial High School in 1951, and married Tom LaPaze in 1956. They settled in Boardman, where "Paz" pioneered the Title One program for kindergarten students in its first year. She continued working for Boardman Schools for over 20 years, retiring after spending five years working with students with special needs. She loved children and was blessed with a daughter, Tami of Boardman; a son, Tom of Seattle; and a granddaughter Nell currently in college in Columbus. She also leaves her sister, Janet Wilcox of Durham, N.C. and over 30 beloved in-laws, nieces and nephews.

Marilyn was active in the First Covenant Church for over 50 years, where she sang in the choir, served in youth programs and participated in the annual Lucia Fest. Marilyn enjoyed attending Christian Women's meetings, live musicals and concerts, collecting Nutcrackers, shopping and walking the mall and spending time with her many friends. Her home functioned as a center of extended-family picnics, where there was always good music, good coffee and, most importantly, baked goods.

Per her wishes, rather than calling hours, Marilyn will be celebrated at a private memorial "birthday" party (complete with cookie table) for friends and family in July at the Becker Family Center in Boardman.

The family encourages donations be given to Hospice of the Valley, 5190 Market St. Youngstown, OH 44512, to continue their amazing work.

The Davis-Becker Funeral Home is handling arrangements.

Please visit www.beckerobits.com to send condolences.