Obituaries

Regina Marhelski, age 92, of the Austin Heights section of Old Forge, died Friday evening at Riverside Rehabilitation & Nursing Center in Taylor, after an illness. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 46 years, Charles Marhelski, Sr.
Daughter of the late Ignatz and Maria Puppe Fret, Regina was born in Germany on August 1, 1925, and raised in Holland, learning to speak four languages throughout along her journey. Upon marrying Charles she moved to the United States at 18 years old when she settled in Old Forge and eventually began raising her family. She worked as a seamstress in the local garment industry, retiring from the former Old Forge Blouse Company. Of Roman Catholic faith, she was an active and faithful member of St. Stanislaus Church in Old Forge, before its closure.
Regina, along with her husband, were very active at the Eagle McClure Hose Company. Selfless volunteers at hose company picnics, they were famous for their potato pancakes. Above all to Regina were her grandchildren. They meant the world to her and nothing meant more to her than spending time with them. Passing away peacefully, she will forever be missed.
She is survived by her three children, David Marhelski and wife Renee of Old Forge, Charles (Chuck) Marhelski, Jr., and wife Violet of Trucksville, and Paulette Panek of Old Forge; five grandchildren, Shawn Marhelski and wife Megan of OH., Wayne Marhelski and wife Patricia of TN., Rebecca Kaneski of Old Forge, Steven Kaneski and wife Michelle of Moscow, Jeffrey Kaneski of Dickson City and David Kaneski of Forest City; three step grandchildren, Louis Rotell and wife Tracy of Lancaster, A.J. Rotell and wife Justine of MD., and Kim Rotell of Old Forge; 10 great grandchildren; 3 step great grandchildren; and nieces and nephews.
Siblings, Herbert and Edward Fret, Sr., and Ursula Hendricks, also preceded her in death.
Her family would like to acknowledge both Dr. Katie Sallavanti and the entire staff of Riverside Nursing Center for the tremendous comfort provided to Regina while under their care.
A Mass of Christian Burial is scheduled for Saturday at 10:00AM in St. Mary of the Assumption Church, Prince of Peace Parish, in Old Forge, to be celebrated by Rev. August A. Ricciardi, Pastor. Private interment, St. Stanislaus Cemetery in Old Forge. Relatives and friends may pay their respects on Saturday between 9-10:00AM at the church.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Regina’s name to Prince of Peace Parish, 123 W. Grace St., Old Forge, Pa., 18518.
Arrangements are under the care of the Thomas P. Kearney Funeral Home, Inc., 517 North Main Street, Old Forge.