Marcene Bernadette Mandato

Marcene Bernadette Mandato (nee Ewing), age 86, passed away peacefully on September 13, 2026. She was born on March 16, 1940, to the late Maynard and Rosalie Ewing.

Marcene was a devoted mother, grandmother, sister, cousin, friend, and teacher. She graduated from Kent State University with a degree in education in 1962. She began her teaching career as a fourth-grade teacher with Medina City Schools, where she loved sharing her knowledge and helping her students learn and grow. She later chose to stay home to raise her two children, Fran and Angelo.

Her love of teaching never left her. In 1994, Marcene earned her master’s degree in special education from Kent State University. She went on to teach part-time in special education at Berea City Schools and later taught full-time at Buckeye Local Schools before finishing her career at York Elementary School. She retired from teaching in 2003, leaving behind a lasting impact on the many students whose lives she touched.

Marcene found great joy in the relationships she built throughout her life. She especially enjoyed spending time with her friends and sharing lunches together. She looked forward to attending her Medina High School reunions and treasured reconnecting with her fellow classmates from the Class of 1958. Those friendships and memories remained a meaningful part of her life.

Her greatest joy was her family, especially her grandchildren, who brought her tremendous happiness and pride. Marcene also had a lifelong love of books and greatly enjoyed listening to books provided through the Cleveland Library for the Blind.

Marcene is survived by her beloved children, Francine Giannetto (Christopher) and Angelo Mandato (Heather); cherished grandchildren, Angelina Giannetto, Dominic Giannetto, Vincenzo Giannetto, Melanie Mandato, and Nicholas Mandato.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Maynard and Rosalie Ewing; and her brothers, Richard Ewing, Frank Ewing, and Donald Ewing.

A graveside service will be held at Waltz Cemetery, 7465 Egypt Rd., Medina, OH 44256, on Wednesday, September 30, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. Online condolences and memories may be shared at www.waitefuneralhome.com.