Carol Marie Zema – Cranberry Township
Carol Marie Zema of Cranberry Township peacefully entered into the arms of her Lord on Aug. 17, 2023, following a sudden illness. She spent her last days in the wonderful care of the staff at Good Samaritan Hospice in Wexford, Pa. 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, Md., 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) and Todd S. Smith (Anne Marie); nieces, Dr. Erin Louise Grabania-Bastidas (Michael) and Tara Marie Grabania-DeCicco (David); and many cousins, great-nieces, and great-nephews. Loved ones who 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 will be received from 1 to 5 p.m. Sunday, Aug 20, 2023, at DEVLIN FUNERAL HOME of Cranberry, 2678 Rochester Road, and again from 9 to 9:45 a.m. Monday at the funeral home. Mass of Christian burial will be at 10 a.m. Monday at Divine Grace Parish, St. Ferdinand Church.
