Carmela Rose (Serago) Harkrider

Carmela Rose "Mel" Serago Harkrider, 94,of Jeannette died on July 7, 2023 in her home, after battling Alzheimer's Disease, surrounded by her loving family. She was born April 14,1929 in Jeannette, a daughter of the late Giuseppe and Stella Moffa Serago. Mel was a life long resident of Jeannette, a 1946 graduate of St. Joseph Academy, Seton Hill, Greensburg, and a 1947 graduate of Miss Conley's school, Pittsburgh. Prior to marriage, and children, she was employed by Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh, Jeannette Glass, and Papercraft Corporation, Jeannette. She was a member of Sacred Heart Church, Jeannette and its Rosary Altar Society. In her free time she loved to crochet, knit, cross stitch, play bingo, and read. Mel was a terrific cook and an amazing baker. She bowled in various leagues in Jeannette from the age of 17 until she turned 92. In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by her husband, James E. "Tex" Harkrider in 2011, her sister Cora, brother in law Emile Criner, brother Frank and sister in  law Laura Serago. She is survived by her children, Geralyn Smolka and her husband Steve of Jeannette, James G. Harkrider and his wife Pamela of Florida, Mary Jo Bearley and her husband Chris, with whom she resided, of Jeannette and Joanne Stryker and her husband Kent of New Alexandria; nine grandchildren, Steve, Mike, Stacey, Alex, Sam, Kate, Nick, Nathan and Zack; six great-grandchildren Jake, Noah, Brecken, Nolan, Soliel and Braxton; a sibling Michael A. Serago and numerous nieces and nephews. Mom had a quick wit, a great sense of humor and an unflappable attitude. She was a wonderful role model, a woman of strong faith and always gave more than she took. Mom was and always will be an incredible example of kindness, honesty and strength to all she leaves behind. She will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her. Visitation will be held on Wednesday July 12th from 2-4 & 6-8PM in the Mason-Gelder Funeral Home, Inc. 201 N. First St. Jeannette. The Sacred Heart Altar Rosary Society will be praying the rosary at 3:30PM. A funeral mass will be celebrated Thursday at 10:00AM in Sacred Heart Church, Jeannette with Fr. Job Foote. Interment will follow in Sacred Heart Cemetery. To send online condolences visit www.mason-gelder.com. 

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