Lena J. DeMare, 85, a lifetime Niles resident, passed away peacefully surrounded by her loving family at 12:15AM Friday August 10, 2012 at Northside Medical Center in Youngstown following a brief illness.

Lena was born October 19, 1926 in Niles the daughter of Philip and Mary Spain Scala. Lena married William DeMare on February 7, 1948. After 52 years of marriage William preceded her in death on April 11, 2000.

Lena's pride and joy were her two daughters, Linda (David) Ruggles of Boardman and Debbie (Glenn) Moyer of Niles. She will be deeply missed by her loving daughters and their husbands as well as her beloved tuxedo cat Shadow.

As a homemaker, Lena enjoyed cooking and baking and spending time with her family. She especially enjoyed her weekend activities, shopping excursions, and theatrical plays and musical performances. She also loved reading and keeping up with the current events.

She was preceded in death by two brothers, Frank Scala and Thomas Scala, and three sisters, Viola Zucco, Theresa Nuzzi, and Mary Cordy.

Lena will be missed by sisters-in law, Josephine Benedicktus and Cassie Scala, brother-in-law Ermine (Bud) Cordy and many nieces and nephews.

Lena was a member of Our Lady of Mount Carmel Parish in Niles.

Friends may call from 2 to 5PM Sunday at the Joseph Rossi and Sons Funeral Home in Niles where The Mt. Carmel Bereavement Ministry will conduct prayers at 4:30PM.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held 10AM Monday at Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Catholic Church in Niles, with Reverend John-Michael Lavelle, D. Min officiating, preceded by a 9:30AM prayer service at the funeral home.

Burial will be in Niles City Cemetery.

Family and friends can view this obituary, sign the guest book, and send e-mail condolences at www.josephrossifuneralhome.com.