Gina Theresa "GiGi" Vendemia-Marek

It is with profound sadness that the family of Gina Theresa “GiGi” Vendemia-Marek, of Brookfield, Ohio, announce her passing on Tuesday, August 5, 2025, while at home, following an apparent heart attack. She was 59.

Gina was born March 27, 1966, in Sharon, Pennsylvania, a daughter to Francis “Frank” J. and Patricia Ann (Pollack) Vendemia.

She graduated from Brookfield High School in 1984 and furthered her education at the National College, Youngstown, Ohio.

Gina was currently working at the 717 Credit Union as a teller and courier. However, she was a former cosmetology instructor at Penn State Cosmetology Academy and worked briefly at Delphi Packard.

She was a member of St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church, Vienna, Ohio; and Bronzewood Golf Course, Kinsman, Ohio.

In her spare time, GiGi enjoyed socializing, mowing grass, playing golf, even though she wasn’t that good, and spending time with her family, most especially her daughter, Marlaina, as she never missed a single sporting event growing up or any of her ceremonies with the Air Force. In addition, she liked going to the races at Sharon Speedway, taking pictures for her photo albums, and having an odd attraction to Gnomes. Gina was full of laughter, love, and life. She had a beautiful heart with a soul to match. She will truly be missed.

Mourning her loss are; her mother, Patricia “Pat”, of Brookfield; daughter, Marlaina M. Marek (Ethan McWilliams), of Brookfield; siblings, Frank Vendemia (Heather) and Mindy Piper (Todd), both of Brookfield; nieces, Chloe Kowalik (Ryan) and Claire Vendemia; companion, Jeff Straka; dog, Miss Myrtle; as well as her close friends, extended family, and the many children she cared for and loved as her own—including her cherished “Where’s Noot?” family.

She was preceded in death by her father, Frank; husband, Michael “Noot” A. Marek, whom she married June 3, 1995, he passed on November 22, 2021; sister, Laura Vendemia; nephew, Frankie Vendemia; and Godparents, Guy and Ruth Vendemia.

A Memorial Mass will be held in Gina’s honor on Thursday, August 21, 2025, at 12:00 PM, at St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church, 4453 Warren-Sharon Rd., Vienna, Ohio 44473, where family & friends may gather from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM, prior to the Mass. She will be laid to rest alongside her husband Noot in Brookfield Township Cemetery immediately after. Later that afternoon, her family will have an "It's a Beautiful Thing" Celebration at Yankee Lake (3-8 PM, CASH BAR with dinner provided).

Expressions of sympathy may be left for her family at www.bricelandfuneralservice.com

If desired, sympathy cards can be mailed to her family at: P.O. Box 235, Brookfield, Ohio 44403.

Coordination of this tribute for Miss Gina was presented by Daniel Briceland, Owner & Director of Briceland Funeral Service, LLC, Brookfield, Ohio. (330-509-3135)