Mary Tresa (Bell) Sablo

Mary Tresa Sablo, 88, of Houston, died November 30, 2022, in Canonsburg surrounded by members of her loving family.

Mary, daughter of Thomas and Brigette (Smith) Bell, was born November 11, 1934, in Canonsburg, PA 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 (especially Neil Diamond), films, musicals, reading, Garfield the Cat, and watching the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. Up until a few years ago, Mary could be seen driving a little purple car, her favorite color, around town for groceries at Shop & Save and deals at Gabes.

Affectionately known as Nana to her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, Mary doted 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 her husband, Eric Burton, Phillip E. Sablo III, and Michael Sablo; and two great-grandchildren, Maven and Sierra Burton.

She is pre-deceased by her brother, Bernhard Bell.

A committal service will be held on Monday, December 5, 2022, at 1 PM at the 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 Ave., Houston, PA 15342.

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