Mary Jude Yablonsky

Dr. Mary Jude Yablonsky, 86

POLAND OHIO - Dr. Mary Jude Yablonsky (Jude) was surrounded by family and friends when she passed away peacefully on September 20, at Sunrise Senior Living of Poland.

Jude was born on February 22, 1931, in Campbell, Ohio to parents Martin and Mary Helt Yablonovsky and named Josephine at birth. At the age of seventeen, she entered the Order of the Ursuline Sisters  and remained an Ursuline Sister until the early 1970s. Jude was an educator her whole life and taught at Cardinal Mooney High School for a decade. During the 1960s, she was known for her excellent production and directing of the school's annual senior plays.

In 1956, Jude received a bachelor's degree in education from Youngstown State University. In 1962, she completed a Masters degree in education administration from the University of Notre Dame. And in 1974, Jude obtained a Doctorate degree in speech communication and theatre from Ohio State University.

Jude valued two things all her life, family and education. And during her life she assisted many family members with furthering their own educations.

In the early 1970s, Jude went to visit her brother in Honolulu, Hawaii. But, when she walked off the plane, Hawaii instantly felt like home. So she stayed and began the second chapter of her life.

Jude began teaching at Chaminade University in Hawaii as an adjunct professor in 1976.  In 1984, she was hired as a full time faculty member. Dr. J, as colleagues and students preferred to call her, established the broadcasting component of the university's Communication Department. In 1986, Jude was voted Teacher of the Year and eventually became head of the Communication Department at Chaminade. Jude retired in 2001.

In every article written about Jude, and there were many, the words inspiring, effective, a supporter, a perfectionist, a mentor, a friend and even a mother figure were used to describe her.

Jude leaves to cherish her memory, her brother, Father Gabriel Yablonovsky and many nieces and nephews.

Jude was predeceased by her parents; her brothers, Cyril, Paul, Joseph, Martin and Frank; her sisters Helen Blasko, Theresa Kraynack and Mary and Ann Yablonovsky; and her long-time companion and caregiver, Joseph L. Carroll.

Jude's family would like to extend its heartfelt gratitude to Sunrise Senior Living of Poland and Crossroads Hospice for the compassionate care they gave to Jude.

Jude's family has entrusted her care to Wasko Funeral Home in Campbell. Calling hours will be held at St. John's Church in Campbell, Ohio from 10:00 a.m. to noon on Saturday, September 30, followed by a Mass at 12:00 p.m.and a luncheon at Bogey's Banquet Center in Lowellville, Ohio. 

Any monetary contributions should be directed to your favorite charity in Jude's name.

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