Mary Tresa Sablo
Mary Tresa Sablo, 88, of Houston, passed away Wednesday, November 30, 2022, in Canonsburg, surrounded by members of her loving family.
Mary, a daughter of Thomas and Brigette Smith Bell, was born November 11, 1934, in Canonsburg, and graduated from South Fayette High School.
Mary married Phillip E. Sablo Sr. and together they owned the Sablo Photography Studio in Bridgeville. Following Phillip’s death in 1979, Mary continued the wedding portrait business. Despite facing barriers as a woman in a “man’s business,” Mary’s fierce independence and strong-will helped her persist. She loved music, films, musicals and reading.
Affectionately known as Nana to her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, Mary dotted on them even from afar. She refused to use a computer but embraced the iPhone to stay connected to her family in Massachusetts and California via text and Facetime between visits.
Mary is survived by her two sons, Phillip E. Sablo, Jr. and his wife, Marsha, of Berkley, Mass., and Dennis Sablo and his wife, Amy, of Morgan; three grandchildren, Rebecca Sablo and husband Eric Burton, Phillip E. Sablo III and Michael Sablo; and two great-grandchildren, Maven and Sierra Burton.
She was predeceased by her brother, Bernhard Bell.
A committal service will be held at 1 p.m. Monday, December 5, in Queen of Heaven Mausoleum in Queen of Heaven Cemetery, McMurray, PA 15317.
Arrangements have been entrusted to McIlvaine-Speakman Funeral Home Ltd., Robert K. McIlvaine, owner/supervisor, 27 Cherry Avenue, Houston, PA 15342.
Condolences may be left for the family by viewing the obituary at www.mcilvaine-speakman.com.