Pani Eleanor Jean (Hazuda) Polanichka, Hermitage, fell asleep in The Lord Sunday morning, Nov. 21, 2021, after suffering a massive stroke the previous week. She was 80.

Born May 10, 1941, in Nesquehoning, Pa., to George Sr. and Bertha (Medinci) Hazuda.

She graduated from Nesquehoning High School in 1959. On June 11, 1960 she married the Very Rev. Protopresbyter Michael Polanichka at St. John's Orthodox Church in Nesquehoning and they just celebrated their 61st wedding anniversary. She and Proto. Michael served in parishes in Bayonne and Rahway, N.J., and moved to Sharon in October 1972. She was the mother to the parish of St. John's Orthodox Church, Sharon/Hermitage.

She had a true devotion to her faith and trust in God and always believed that things would work out for the best. Her faith and the devotion to her family were the true cornerstones of her life.

She was involved in many organizations and clubs at the church as well as organizing, purchasing and selling all of the religious items in the Church showcase.

Pani Eleanor came up with the campaign idea for "A Dollar A Day" fundraising which benefited the Diocesan Camp Nazareth in Mercer. Pani Eleanor was known for her love of cooking and baking and loved to share her recipes and goodies with all.

Besides her parents, she was preceded in death by her 3 brothers, John Hazuda, George Hazuda, Jr. and the Very Rev. Protopresbyter Ronald A. Hazuda, and her two sisters Mary Opreskoe and Anna Thear.

Survivors include her loving husband Protopresbyter Michael, her three children Valerie J. Dick, husband William, Annapolis, Md.; Justine MacNeil, Ellicott City, Md.; and Michael D. Polanichka, wife Brenda, Simi Valley, Calif. Also surviving are her six grandchildren Kaela (Richard) Merkle, Jason (Courtney) Micucci, Cameron MacNeil, Brianna Dick, Jordan (Paul) Zdinak, and Taylor Polanichka. She was the great-grandmother to Aidan and Eileen Micucci; Jennifer and Claire Merkle. She also is survived by many nieces and nephews.

Memorial contributions may be made to St. John's Orthodox Church 3180 Morefield Rd, Hermitage, PA 16148 in her memory.

Polanichka

Pani Eleanor Jean (Hazuda), 80, Hermitage.

Calling hours: 2 to 4 p.m. and 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesday (11-23-21) in St. John's Orthodox Church, 3180 Morefield Road, Hermitage, with a Panachida service at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday in the church.

Calling hours: 10 a.m. to time of service Wednesday (11-24-21) in the church.

Service: 11 a.m. in the church with Very Rev. Protopresbyter Frank Miloro, Diocesan Chancellor; Very Rev. Kenneth Bachofsky, Dean; Rev. David Mastroberte of Saint John's; and Diocesan clergy officiating.

Funeral arrangements were entrusted to TOMON FUNERAL & CREMATION SERVICES, 264 E. State St., Sharon. officiating.