Mary Ann Covert

Mary Ann Covert, 89, of Hermitage, passed away peacefully surrounded by her children, Thursday afternoon, December 11, 2025, in Avalon Springs Nursing Home.

Mrs. Covert was born October 17, 1936, in Farrell, a daughter of John and Mary (Popyak) Marenchin. A 1954 graduate of Hickory High School in Hermitage, she also graduated from the Lillian S. Kaufmann School of Nursing, Pittsburgh, PA, earning her Registered Nurse certification. Mary Ann continued her education at Youngstown State University, earning a Bachelor of Science in Health Education in 1975, and later completed postgraduate studies at Slippery Rock University, Penn State University, University of Pittsburgh, and Edinboro State University.

Mary Ann retired from the Hermitage School District, where she served as the school nurse and taught health education for 35 years. Previously, she worked as a nurse at UPMC Montifiore in Pittsburgh, PA, Frances Mahon Deaconess Hospital in Montanna, Sharon Regional Health System in Sharon, UPMC Shenango Valley in Farrell, Shenango Incorporated in Sharpsville, and Howell Industries in Masury, OH. She was a member of the PSA, NEA, and the Mercer County School Nurses Assoc.

Mary Ann was an active member of Grace Lutheran Church, Farrell, where she was the first woman to serve as President of Church Council. In more recent years, she was a member of Christ Lutheran Church, Sharon, where she volunteered with the church food pantry and always supported the many church activities and fundraisers.

Mary Ann was affectionately known as the “Tupperware Lady” from her longtime Tupperware kiosk located within the Shenango Valley Mall.

She enjoyed all crafts, especially knitting, crocheting, and quilt-making.

Her husband of nearly 63 years, Lester L. Covert, whom she married August 24, 1956, preceded her in death June 20, 2019. They were exceptional dancers and loved Ballroom Dancing together for many years.

Mary Ann is survived by a daughter, Jeannie Ross (Alan), Mercer; two sons, Keith Covert (fiancée, Lorrie Watson) and Wayne Covert (Caroline), all of Hermitage; a brother, Ernest Marenchin (“DeDe”), of Hermitage; a sister-in-law, Ruth McConnell, Hermitage; 12 grandchildren; and 23 great-grandchildren.

In addition to her husband and parents, Mary Ann was preceded in death by a daughter, Lora Covert; three brothers, John and Donald Marenchin and George Rabatin; and three sisters, Dorothy Newell, Betty Henderson, and Thelma Voshell.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that memorial contributions be directed to Christ Lutheran Church, 396 Buhl Blvd., Sharon, PA 16146.

The family would like to thank the staff of Avalon Springs, Mary Ann’s “Besties,” for their exceptional kindness and care.

Calling hours will be 4 to 7 p.m. Monday (12-15-25) in J. Bradley McGonigle Funeral Home and Crematory, Inc., 1090 E. State St., Sharon. 

Funeral service will be 11 a.m. Tuesday (12-16-25) in Christ Lutheran Church of Sharon with Rev. Dennis Blauser, officiating.

Interment: Hillcrest Memorial Park, Hermitage.