Pani Magdalene Blaschak, 86, of Hermitage, went to be with the Lord on Sunday, May 20, 2018, at 10:17 a.m., after suffering a devastating few months living with Alzheimer's dementia.

Born in Conemaugh on Dec. 19, 1931, Magdalene was close to her eight siblings, many friends, and most especially her parents, John and Mary Kocemba Kuzmiak.

Having attended church at Christ the Saviour Cathedral in Johnstown, Magdalene received her First Holy Communion at the age of 7. Little did this adorable brunette know at the time that the cute blonde boy in her communion class would one day become her spouse of 58.5 years.

Always at her husband's side, she served as Pani - the title given to priests' wives in the Carpatho-Russian Church - at parishes in Washington, D.C., and throughout Pennsylvanian towns of McKeesport, Landsford, Hawk Run and Penn State University. A woman of devout faith, she exemplified what it truly means to be a Christian.

She is survived by her loving husband, the Very Reverend Thomas Blaschak, and their children: T. Matthew (Cindy) Blaschak of Greenville; Nadine (Kevin) Blaschak-Brown of Vallejo, Calif., Natalie (Phillip) Walker of Thorton, Colo.; and Nancy Blaschak of High Point, N.C.

Magdalene is also survived by six grandchildren, Allyson, Tyler (Tara), and Garrett Blaschak, Kyra and Colin Brown, nd Sophia Walker. Her brothers George Kuzmiak of Conemaugh, Steve (Joanne)Kuzmiak of Lutz, Fla., and sister, Julia Matolak of Johnstown, along with several nephews, nieces, and their families also survive.

Besides her parents, Magdalene was preceded in death by her brother, Paul Kuzmiak, and four sisters, Mary Wuckovich, Margaret Fausey, Kay Sayko and Martha Kmetz.

Magdalene took great joy in being with her children and grandchildren. Her cheers were heard over others at every sporting event and into the telephone when talking with her grandchildren afar. Magdalene is cherished by family, friends, and her wonderful church family at St. John's Orthodox Church. All will fondly remember and greatly miss her humble and devout faith, sweet smile, kind personality, generous heart, and her superb piroghi pinching and Russian tea cookie baking abilities - legacies and traditions she passed down to her children and grandchildren.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in Magdalene's name to Camp Nazareth, 339 Pew Road, Mercer, PA 16137 and Christ the Saviour Cathedral, 300 Garfield St., Johnstown, PA 15906.

BLASCHAK

Pani Magdalene, 86, of Hermitage

Calling hours: 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday (5-23-18) at St. John's Orthodox Church, 3180 Morefield Road at Route 18 in Hermitage. The Panachida will take place at the church at 6 p.m.

Service: Funeral at 11 a.m. Thursday (5-24-18) in the church.

Interment: St. Johns Orthodox Cemetery. All are welcome to share in Magdalene's Carpatho-Russian spiritual journey Home.

Arrangements have been entrusted to TOMON FUNERAL AND CREMATION SERVICES, 246 E. State St., Sharon.