Catherine Ernestine “Ernie” Mazzola, 84, of Indiana, formerly of Aultman and Burlingame, CA, died Thursday, December 19, 2013 at St. Andrews Village, Indiana. Born in Aultman on May 6, 1929, she was the daughter of the late, William Joseph Mazzola and Stella (Setlock) Mazzola.

She was a graduate of Indiana High School and the former Indiana State Teachers College. She furthered her education by earning two Masters Degrees in Education from Duquesne University and Cal State San Francisco. She was the first woman from Aultman to attend college.

Ernie first demonstrated her passion to work hard and be the best she can be at the age of 9 when she delivered the Indiana and Pittsburgh newspapers in Aultman. She later began a 55 year teaching career, teaching in Brush Valley and Graceton and Waterman schools, as well as at the Indiana Jr. High. She moved to California where she taught at the San Mateo School District. While at San Mateo, Ernie was named teacher of the year and was nominated for teacher of the year for the state of California. She always tried to get the “Best Performance” from every student. To this day, many of her former students recall the positive influence she had on their lives.

She also represented 350,000 teachers in the state of California as an Executive Board Director of the California State Teachers Association. Ernestine was also a member of the National Education Association board of directors.

She retired in the late 1990’s.

As an accomplished pianist, Ernie loved to listen to and perform various musical selections. She always kept physically fit and enjoyed playing tennis. Although she enjoyed these interests and activities, her first love was teaching.

She is fondly remembered by her brothers and their families for the devoted care she offered for their parents prior to their deaths in 1992.

Ernie was a member of St. Bernard of Clairvaux Catholic Church, Indiana.

She will be remembered by her brothers: Eugene Mazzola & wife, Carole, Sarasota, FL and Richard Mazzola, Hopewell, NJ. Ernie is also survived by her nieces and nephews: Pam Korzun & husband, Ken, Ewing NJ; Jerry Mazzola & wife, Paula, Pennington, NJ; Michael Mazzola & wife, Tracey, Ewing, NJ; David Mazzola & wife, Janet, Chagrin Falls, OH. Her great nieces and nephews are: Jamie, Dara, Emily, Madison, Mac, Ali, Miles and Finn.

Friends will be received Sunday evening from 7:00 – 9:00 PM at Rairigh-Bence Funeral Home of Indiana. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Monday, December 23rd at 10 AM at St. Bernard of Clairvaux Catholic Church, Indiana. Burial will follow in the parish cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to: VNA Hospice, Suite 3000 Medical Arts Building, 850 Hospital Road, Indiana, PA 15701.

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