Charlene "Mikki" Fiorini-Maresca

Port Charlotte, Florida….Charlene "Mikki" Fiorini-Maresca passed away on Feb. 15, 2016, surrounded by her family in Port Charlotte, after a valiant battle with breast cancer spanning over 20 years. Born in Youngstown, to Eileen and Stanley Fiorini, Charlene graduated from Campbell Memorial High School and earned an Associates Degree from Youngstown State University and a Bachelors Degree from Park University. Charlene traveled the world and lived overseas in both the United Kingdom and Spain while serving in the U.S. Navy as a Data Processing Technician 2nd Class and as a Federal contractor working for Northrup Grumman. Following her overseas assignments, she returned to the U.S. and settled near her parents in Port Charlotte, as a caregiver during their years of declining health.  Charlene was preceded in death by her parents, Stanley and Eileen Fiorini, and her sister, Tami Sue.  She leaves behind her son, Louis (Hannah) Maresca and granddaughter Aubrey Maresca; her brother, Gary (Cathy) Fiorini and nephew, Alan Fiorini and nieces, Amber and Angelica Fiorini. Charlene was a dedicated mother to her son, Louis, serving as his life coach, a best friend, his greatest fan and the most nurturing of mothers. She was overjoyed with the birth of Aubrey, daughter of Louis and Hannah, and felt very blessed to hold and enjoy her granddaughter, especially during her final days. Family and friends were of extreme importance to Charlene. Her vivacious personality and giving spirit were well recognized by all who knew her. Charlene's love of life was very infectious and was so welcomed.  Charlene refused to allow cancer to conquer her unconquerable spirit. Knowing that her days were numbered, she set of to visit friends in the United Kingdom and Spain. Her loving brother Gary and sister-in-law Cathy, joined her for the final phase of the overseas trip to Alatri, Italy, the hometown of her paternal grandparents. Together they formed memories and planned future travel adventures.  Upon her return to the states, Charlene continued with her cancer treatment and entered into a clinical trial, fighting to the very end. Adventurer is the one word that defined Charlene's life.  In addition to her military service and employment in the private sector, Charlene was an entrepreneur at heart. She pursued a number of business opportunities including a gift shop in her hometown of Campbell, tax preparation for her Hispanic clients, as a social director on a cruise ship and as an independent internet professional. Charlene was always seeking adventure not only in her professional career but in her personal life as well.  As a world traveler Charlene developed a wonderful sense of style and was the envy of all her friends. A gourmet cook, Charlene delighted her family and friends with Italian and Spanish cuisine. Charlene was an inspiration to all who knew her, a shining example of living life to the fullest. Her past is a celebration of all that is good in the world, of a life well-lived, well-loved and a world made more beautiful for her having been in it. She will be sorely missed by her family and numerous friends. A celebration of her life will be held at the Elm Tree in Struthers on Sunday, Feb. 21, 2016 from 1 to 4pm. Her family requests that you honor her memory by toasting Charlene with a favorite glass of wine and giving someone you love the warmest and most heartfelt hug. That was "Mikki's" way. The Fiorini family has entrusted the Wasko Funeral Home in Campbell.