The writer of Ecclesiastes proclaimed: For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven. Somehow, Margaret Battisti had a time for everything. Remembered as a kind and unselfish woman, unwavering in her faithfulness to God and His creation, she taught those values to her family.
The Lord was gracious to Margaret in her final season, calling her to himself Friday evening, Jan. 1, 2016 from Brookdale Senior Living. She was 90.
Born Margaret Marie Easton on May 29, 1925 in Clinton, Indiana, the eldest child of Ira B. and Mary (Farmer) Easton, she earned her degree in education from Thiel College.
She worked in settlement houses in the Youngstown area until moving to Mansfield in 1957. Margaret accepted a position with Ontario schools, she taught Business and Accounting classes for 30 years, organized the GAA (girl’s athletic association), and served as the first girls basketball coach.
The seasons of Margaret’s life were varied: she was active in numerous civic and service clubs and organizations. Notably among them was the American Association of University Women (AAUW). She served as former Mansfield Branch AAUW President, and worked tirelessly chairing the AAUW annual book sale. She was elected treasurer of the Ohio AAUW and was named “Woman of the Year” one of the 40 years of her membership. She was also a member and former officer of Mansfield Women’s Club.
A great supporter of the local arts community, Margaret was a member and docent of the Mansfield Symphony; a member of the Mansfield Community Playhouse; and sustaining member of Mansfield OSU Theater.
A member of Richland County Retired Teachers Association, Margaret was a founding trustee of the Richland County Teacher’s Credit Union, the foundation of Direction’s Credit Union.
Margaret was a member of Sons of Italy, member and former officer of Noon Optimisses, member and former officer of Mansfield Tygers Boosters Club, and volunteered as a reading tutor for students in Prospect Elementary School.
A longtime member of First English Lutheran Church, she taught the high school and then the Jerial Sunday School class. She also served the congregation on the luncheon committee, visiting shut-ins, was a member of the Sarah Circle, and represented the church at Church Women United and with the ELCA.
She will be remembered for her phenomenal pasta (ravioli and sauce) and desserts, playing a mean hand of cards, traveling the globe, dancing (jitterbug, swing and polka), and for the immense love she had for her family.
They include her daughter, Marianne (James) Sweat, of Lucas, her son James (Jill) Battisti; grandchildren James and Kelli Sweat of Lucas, Megan and Jason Goings, of Mansfield, Jodi Lynn and Edward Shafer, of Henderson, Nevada, Jennifer N. and Mel Kyees, of Yorba Linda, California, Peter F. and Anne Battisti and Angela M. Battisti, all of Henderson; 19 great grandchildren; a great great grandson; step-sister Beatrice and Ernie Garner and step-brother Robert and Janet Easton, all of Hubbard; nieces and nephews Janice Margaret Kutsko and Katherine Easton, both of Youngstown, John Morecock, of Colorado, and Robert Morecock, of Texas; and a sister-in-law Jeannette Easton Bodnar, of Youngstown.
She was preceded in death by her husband of 32 years Peter Battisti in 1980; and also by her brothers William Easton and Jackie Easton.
The Battisti family will receive friends Thursday, Jan. 7 from 2 to 7 p.m. in the Finefrock Chapel of the Marion Avenue Snyder Funeral Home. Her funeral service will be held Friday at 11 a.m. in First English Lutheran Church, 53 Park Avenue West, Mansfield, where friends may call on the family the hour prior to the funeral. The Revs. Paul Larsen and Andrew Jones will officiate. Burial will follow in Mansfield Cemetery.
Contributions in her memory to OhioHealth Hospice or Friendly House may be made at the funeral home.
Snyder Funeral Home is honored to serve the Battisti family. Send them a message of support – or watch Margaret’s tribute video – at SnyderFuneralHomes.com.
