Andrea Mariani "Sissy" Freeborough

Andrea, the beloved daughter of G. Edmond Mariani, Jr. and Josephine Corrado Mariani. She was born in Fort Myers, Florida, during her father's service in the Air Force.


A graduate of St. Bernard Grade School and Our Lady of Mercy Academy (now Oakland Catholic), she attended drama school at the Pittsburgh Playhouse. She was a dancer who had a successful career in teaching competitive dance at various studios in Pittsburgh, including Arthur Murray, along with studios in Florida. She eventually owned her own studio in Mansfield, Ohio.


Andrea was an officer of the family business, Mariani & Richards, Inc. which was established in 1949.


She and her beloved husband, Ronald, were married for 47 years and were the devoted parents of Christian (Donna) of Boardman, Ohio and Angela Borris. They rejoiced in their three grandchildren, Dante Julian Borris, Luca Andrea Borris, and Ava Christine Freeborough. Andrea also was the caring and faithful stepmother of Kim Freeborough (Kathy) of Hampton, VA and Karen Gustafson (Jeff) of Omaha, NE. Step-grandmother of Jake and Jared Gustafson.


She was an athlete, a dancer, and a lover of music. For the past ten years she had daily attended Pure Barre classes where she established records for endurance and mastery.


Most strikingly, she was a passionate advocate for racial justice and gun control and contributed her time, talent and treasure to causes which alleviated poverty and suffering. From sponsorship of Vietnam Refugees to volunteering with SHIM, calling on isolated, homebound seniors, she spent herself in service.


Andrea possessed an unusual gift for sustaining friendships, and her life was blessed by many long-time and loyal friends. She loved animals, particularly elephants and her pet dogs. Chief among her joys was being the occasion of laughter for others.


She is also survived by her sister, Charlotte Amatangelo (Lino) and her nephews, Sergio (Lynne) and Guy (Mary), as well as her beloved great-nieces and nephew, Cara, Olivia, and Nico Amatangelo.


Family and Friends welcome Friday 2-8 p.m. WILLIAM SLATER II FUNERAL SERVICE (412-563-2800), 1650 Greentree Rd., Scott Twp. 15220. Funeral Mass Saturday 10:00 a.m. S.S. Simon and Jude Church, St. Raphael the Archangel Parish. Burial to follow in Mt. Olivet Cemetery.


Memorial donations may be made to The Heifer International, 1 World Avenue, Little Rock, AR 72202; or the Southern Poverty Law Center, 400 Washington Avenue, Montgomery, AL 36104.

www.slaterfuneral.com