Mary Ellen Zola, 89, of Hermitage, passed away Saturday evening, May 25, 2024, in her home.

Ms. Zola was born on April 8, 1935, in Farrell, a daughter of the late Isly and Lenora (Hess) Roqueplot. She graduated early with the 1951 class of Farrell High School, and took night classes at Slippery Rock University and Westminster College, earning a bachelor's degree in education.

She worked 27 years for Farrell School District as a reading specialist. Upon her retirement, Mary Ellen moved to the Florida Keys, enjoying more than 15 years of sunshine.

Mary Ellen was a member of the Church of Notre Dame, Hermitage.

An avid reader, she enjoyed cross-word puzzles and playing bridge and euchre.

Her first husband, Frank Zola, whom she married on September 6, 1958, passed away on January 17, 1986. On July 11, 1987, she remarried Joseph Atterholt, he survives.

Also surviving is a daughter, Leanne DeArment and her partner Donald Ott; a son, Frank Zola, all of Hermitage; five grandchildren, Darla Kossick, Ryan and Mark DeArment, and Frank and Adam Zola; nine great-grandchildren, Rollin and Colstin Kossick, Brailee and Dominic DeArment, and Garrett, Owen, Avey, Spenser and Frank Zola; and a sister, Rachel Wilcox and her husband Larry, Tampa, FL.

In addition to her parents and first husband, Mary Ellen was preceded in death by two brothers, Eugene and Keith Roqueplot.

The family suggests memorial contributions be directed to the American Alzheimer's Association, at www.ALZ.org

In keeping with Mary Ellen's wishes there are no services.