Carol Marie Zema
April 08, 1943 - August 17, 2023
Visitation: Friends received Sunday 1-5 PM at DEVLIN Funeral Home of Cranberry, 2678 Rochester Road and again on Monday from 9-9:45AM
Service: Mass of Christian Burial Monday at 10 AM at Divine Grace Parish, St. Ferdinand Church
Carol Marie Zema of Cranberry Township peacefully entered into the arms of her Lord on August 17, 2023 following a sudden illness. She spent her last days in the wonderful care of the staff at Good Samaritan Hospice in Wexford.
Carol’s story began April 8, 1943, the second daughter born to the late Marie K. O’Leary Grabania and Melvin Paul Haywood. She is survived by her siblings, Patricia Haywood Smith and William David Grabania. She grew up in Belle Vernon and graduated from Belle Vernon Area High School. Shortly after High School, Carol met and married her first love, Vincent Ralph Pascaralla. From that marriage, she was blessed to have a second set of parents in her life, Ralph and Minnie Pascaralla. Carol was a Teller at PNC in various branches until she was promoted and then worked at the Charleroi Branch until her retirement.
Carol was always the compassionate coach, therapist, mediator, and loving mother of her four children (two through childbirth and two from love) Danalynne Pascaralla-Young, David Vincent Pascaralla, Paul Norman Young, and Allisyn Ruzbacki-Pascaralla.
One of Carol’s greatest accomplishments was being the Best Gramie to Jack David Pascaralla, Nicholas Timothy Pascaralla, Grace Carren Pascaralla, and Amberlene Diane Antes. Carol’s grandchildren were her heart and joy. Time spent at Gramie’s house was always very special for Jack, Nick, and Grace. Gramie was the “Ice Cream Fairy” who always had it at her house or brought ice cream to them (she nibbled some herself). Gramie was their biggest cheerleader at any of their sports games. At her recent 80th Birthday party, each grandchild took turns to honor their Gramie through handwritten letters, poems, and memories that they will forever treasure.
Trusted in her care, Carol was the godmother to her niece Robbi Lynn Brovey-Wright, cousin Joshua Steven Sedunov and niece Dr. Erin Louise Grabania-Bastidas.
Carol then married her childhood friend, Albert W. Zema. She traveled and enjoyed her life until Albert became ill and passed in 1993. Every year that passed, she continued to grieve but knew she would one day be reunited in Heaven. That day has come!
Carol did not let the grass grow under her feet; she loved to GO, GO, GO! She was a member of the Women Gathered group at St. Ferdinand’s Church in Cranberry. The ladies met each Monday and referred to themselves as the Prayer Warriors. She played Bunco and celebrated birthdays and special times with her girlfriends as part of a monthly “Lunch Bunch”. Carol lit up the dance floor when any music with a great beat was played. Tito’s and Tonic with a slice of lime was her favorite drink. Deep Creek Maryland was a special place for her. Carol always insisted that something should be correct or suitable down to every detail. She loved to make schedules/itineraries and stick to them!
Carol was blessed a third time when she met Ken Ranker, her current “Main Squeeze”. While they only had a few years together, they always enjoyed their time. Taking a long car ride, stopping by Foxburg Wine Cellars or just sitting along the Beaver River, they always enjoyed being in each other’s company.
In addition to the many family members mentioned and friends,Carol leaves behind a sister-in-law, Elizabeth Grabania, nephews Sean W. Smith (Fay), Todd S. Smith (Anne Marie), nieces Dr. Erin Louise Grabania-Bastidas (Michael), Tara Marie Grabania-DeCicco (David), and many cousins, great nieces, and nephews.
Loved ones that cleared the path for Carol are her parents, mom and dad Pascaralla, her husband Albert, brother-in-law Frank Smith, brother-in-law and sister-in-law Peter and Sarah Bednarczyk and numerous aunts and uncles.
Thank you to the Mercy Hospital Neuro ICU doctors and nurses for the wonderful care Carol received. In addition, Dr. Dina Dosch and the dedicated nurses at the Good Samaritan Hospice in Wexford, who provided Carol and her family with excellent care as she transitioned.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations are made to the Good Samaritan Hospice in Wexford, PA.
Friends received Sunday from 1-5 PM at DEVLIN funeral home of Cranberry, 2678 Rochester Road and again on Monday from 9-9:45AM.
Mass of Christian Burial on Monday at 10 AM at Divine Grace Parish, St Ferdinand Church.
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“Peace Be With You, Carol” & my sympathy for your extended family.
I am so sorry for your loss. Your mom was truly a one of a kind person. Hoping all the precious memories you have will help get you through the days ahead.
My heart is broke with the sudden loss of Carol but I am beyond Blessed to have known Carol. Even though I only saw 3-4 times a year in my dental office and a couple times sitting on River Road, she impacted my love. I was her dental hygienist and she was a “Karen only ” patient, I looked forward to her conversations with me sometimes wondering how I had time to clean her teeth with all our talking. Her most precious joys were Nick, Jack and Grace. Oh how she loved those kids and how her face lit when talking about all 3 . She was full of joy talking about their soccer careers – how amazing talented all 3 were and their dedication to the sport. She often talked about Dave and Allison what wonderful parents they were and how they loved those kids. She was proud how they were raising Jack, Nick and Grace to be respectful, caring , and loving. Oh how Carol loved those kids, I am beyond honored and Blessed to have known. And as I walk River Road and see Carol’s bench she sat on I will as I have done before say “Hi Carol ” and watch her turn to me and smile. My Deepest Sympathies and Love Karen Piccirilli
Danalynne, may the Lord comfort you, your family, and your mom’s loved ones with His Peace that passes all understanding during this challenging time. Trusting God with and for you all as you mourn, that you will be comforted. 🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽
Such a beautiful person. I was blessed to have known her. With sympathy & love.
Dear Dana and David,
My deepest condolences on the loss of your mother. May your many cherished memories help you during this difficult time. Rest in Peace Carol. Fond regards, Jacquie
Carol was one of the first people in our neighborhood that made me feel welcome. She was always exceptionally kind and I will miss her dearly.