Willavene Ferrick Latessa

Willavene “Billie” Ferrick Latessa, 95, of Niles died at 3:30PM Thursday September 17, 2015 at Trumbull Memorial Hospital in Warren.

She was born January 14, 1920 in Tunnelton, West Virginia the daughter of Harold and Elva Wiles Coole and lived in the Niles and Warren area all of her life.

Billie was a 1938 graduate of Warren G. Harding High School, employed at the 5 & 10 in downtown Niles, General Electric in Niles, and Niles Municipal Court retiring in 1983.

She was a member of Our Lady of Mount Carmel Parish in Niles and for a number of years took care of their alter and linens. She was member and past president of Our Lady of Mount Carmel Society, member and past president of The Mount Carmel Home and School, member of The Infant Jesus of Prague Guild, volunteer at the monthly pizza sales, and active with The Annual Mount Carmel Festival since 1952 where she worked the sausage booth and in charge of ordering the prizes. She also volunteered at The Mount Carmel School Cafeteria and The Friday Night Bingo for many years.

Billie was also a member of Niles Scope, member and past president of The Catholic Women’s Guild, and a Niles Lady Knights of Columbus Council 1681 member and past vice president.

Her husband Anthony “Boots” Latessa whom she married October 6, 1941 died October 16, 1974.

Her husband Marty C. Ferrick whom she married February 21, 1987 died November 10, 2002. 

She will be deeply missed by a son Terry Latessa of Niles, a step-son Marty Ferrick and his wife Marsha of Parkland, Florida, a step-grandaughter Ginger Ferrick of Florida, and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by a brother Eugene Coole and sister-in-law Rita Coole.

Friends may call Wednesday from 4 to 7PM at The Joseph Rossi and Sons Funeral Home in Niles where The Infant Jesus of Prague Guild, The Mount Carmel Society, and The Mount Carmel Bereavement Ministry will conduct prayers at 6:30PM.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held 10AM Thursday at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church in Niles preceded by a 9:30AM prayer service at the funeral home.

Burial will be in Pineview Cemetery.

She will be missed by many, God bless and keep her.

Arrangements are being handled by The Joseph Rossi and Sons Funeral Home in Niles.

Family and friends can light a candle, sign the guest book, and send e-mail condolences at www.josephrossifuneralhome.com.

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