ANDREA CARALLA

Andrea lived her life – as her favorite artist Bob Seger would say – against the wind. But she always endured, to the benefit of her family and friends. She was a breast cancer survivor and fought multiple chronic illnesses rather quietly because she wanted to remain an optimist to those around her.

Andrea was born on February 5, 1951 and graduated from Dillonvale High School in 1969. She attended a few semesters at Ohio University Northern before turning to a lifelong career as a waitress. Her customer experiences turned into tall tales expertly told to make us laugh.

Andrea devoted everything she had to her family. She was immensely proud of her children and grandchildren’s accomplishments, and she was not afraid to tell you about them. While this was sometimes embarrassing for her children, they grew to understand she saw her children and grandchildren as her life’s work. She dedicated her life to them. She was ever the nurturer, supporter, lead cheerleader, and guidance counselor, and we are all better people for having had her support behind us all these years. We are thankful.

In addition to her family, Andrea loved classic cars and continually harassed both of her children to help her buy a ’57 Chevy. This harassment went on so long that it crossed the line from annoyance to inside joke and laughs.

Andrea shared many inside jokes and laughs with those she loved. When her children were very young and the family was very poor, Andrea drew a sign and taped it to the wall. The sign had different “buttons” to press for the butler, the chef, and the chauffer. The three of them would have a blast and a lot of laughs as one of her kids would press the chauffer button and Andrea would say, “James, please bring the car around.” We are sure “the car” was a ’57 Chevy.

Music was another huge thing in her life, and you rarely walked into her home or caught her on the phone without some Bob Seger, Rolling Stones, Bette Midler, or Alan Jackson playing in the background.

Andrea also loved the beach and looked forward to getting the sand between her toes as often as she could.

But above all else, Andrea treasured spending time with her grandchildren and children. This was truly her greatest love and activity, and it did not matter whether she was sharing that time in Myrtle Beach, Hocking Hills, Kelleys Island, her children’s homes, or her own kitchen. As long as family was there – her life’s work – she was happy. And we were, too. She is already, and will forever be, sorely missed.

Andrea’s last day on earth was fully, fittingly, beautifully, and perfectly spent under the sun and clouds with her daughter and grandsons.

Andrea Caralla is survived by her son Jaysen (Bridgette) Mercer; her daughter, Shawna (James Joseph) Gfroerer; her grandchildren, Kaylee Mercer, James Joshua Gfroerer, and Jack Gfroerer; her brother Terry (Colleen) Koran; and her kitty-cat, Twinkles, who provided loving companionship for her final three years on earth and was with her at the end. Twinkles now lives with Andrea’s son.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Andrew and Leona Koran, her brother Andrew “Sonny” Koran, Jr., her sister Edith Ann Dunn, and her daughter Yvonne, who was born and laid to rest without having sensed this earth.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to wreathsacrossamerica.org, as Andrea supported and honored our veterans.