Longtime East Liverpool resident Mary Kay Aznavorian, former owner and operator of Tri-State Supply Company in the city’s downtown, passed away in the presence of her family at Heritage Valley in Beaver, where she was under the care of Good Samaritan Hospice. Mary Kay’s earthly journey is complete, and she was most certainly welcomed into Heaven with open arms.

A daughter of the late Francis G. and Dorothy J. Artman Bernert, Mary Kay was born in Toronto, Ohio on January 15, 1940. A 1958 graduate of Catholic Central High School, she earned her Associates degree in Radiology Technology at Mercy Hospital in Pittsburgh.

On July 14, 1962, she married George S. Aznavorian, and the couple came to East Liverpool when they purchased Tri-State Supply. Mary Kay worked diligently alongside her husband until his untimely death on November 15, 1989. To honor him, she continued on as the owner and operator for another eighteen years, greeting each customer with a smile and a kind word. Her infectious laugh and love for people was evident and genuine, and she made everyone feel special.

Mary Kay was a member of Holy Trinity Parish at St. Aloysius Church, and had enjoyed her friendships in the Catholic Women’s Study Group. She was an excellent seamstress, and loved getting together with the ladies of Coterie Club. But nothing compared to the pride and joy she felt when surrounded by her children and grandchildren.

Surviving are a son: Dr. George F. Aznavorian and his wife, Michelle, of Huddleston, Virginia; and two daughters, Dr. Gail E. Bentley and her husband, Joff, of Dallas, Texas; and Joan V. “Ginna” Bowersock and her husband, David, of Detroit.

There are ten cherished grandchildren: Kaylyn Aznavorian, Bronson Aznavorian, Carly Aznavorian, Hunter Bentley and his wife, Morgan, Holden Bentley, Hope Bentley, Cole Bentley, Christopher Bentley, Austin Bowersock, and Elise Bowersock.

Mary Kay also leaves behind her sisters, Christine Park and her husband, Richard, and Jane O’Connell and her husband, Barry, as well as a brother, Dan Bernert and his wife, Letha, and numerous nieces and nephews.

Father Peter Haladej of Holy Trinity Parish will be the celebrant at a Mass of Christian Burial at St. Aloysius Church at noon on Saturday.

Friends may visit with the family at the Dawson Funeral Home from 11:00 a.m. until the time of the service.

Mary Kay will be laid to rest beside her husband at Riverview Cemetery, followed by a continued time of fellowship at the Dawson Family Center.

The family respectfully asks that gifts in lieu of flowers be made c/o Good Samaritan Hospice at Heritage Valley Beaver, 1000 Dutch Ridge Road, Tower B, Beaver, PA 15009.

View Mary Kay’s memorial webpage and express condolences to the family online at www.dawsonfuneralhome.com.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Mary Kay Aznavorian (Bernert), please visit our Heartfelt Sympathies Store.