Magdalen Spegar, 93, of Blakely, entered eternal rest and peace this past Sunday at home. She was born and raised and resided her entire life at her family home on 11th Street, Blakely.
Born in Blakely, daughter of the late Michael A. Sr. and Mary Knopp Spegar, she was a graduate of Blakely High School class of 1945. An excellent student, Magdalen received various academic honors. While she enjoyed many career opportunities, she always wanted to be close with her family and did so for her entire working career. Magdalen, known affectionately by many as "Maggie," worked for 42 years as the manager and business administrator for the former Johnny's Market, located at Main Street, Blakely. She was respected and loved by many loyal customers of the store for years. Magdalen was responsible for the day-to-day operations and functions of the store. She was the only manager and business administrator that Johnny's Market ever had. Upon her retirement at the end of her 42-year career, Johnny's Market closed as well. Magdalen especially enjoyed working with and helping the many customers of the store for years. Many of the store's customers complimented Magdalen for her kindness and assistance and would regularly ask for her upon arriving at the store. Enjoying her work, Madeline was known to walk to work (uphill from Main Street to 11th Street, Blakely) on many occasions, including inclement weather.
Magdalen was very caring for her Slovak family and heritage. She was fond of the many Slovak customs and traditions. Magdalen was a longtime member of and an officer of the first Catholic Slovak Ladies Association. She attended meetings and conventions and had regular contact with many local members throughout the region. Magdalen further served as a member and officer of the local branch of the Confraternity of Christian Women for many years. Magdalen was very supportive and active with the local church, Holy Cross Parish, Olyphant. She was extremely dedicated to her faith and attended Mass and multiple church functions over the years. She read scriptures and verses from the Bible even at home and particularly enjoyed observing the feast days of many saints and reading about their lives.
Magdalen enjoyed many hobbies and interests including reading, cooking, history, flowers, birds, golf, western movies, theaters, the Lawrence Welk Show, polka music, Penguins hockey, Eagles football and all hometown teams. She was a loving, caring and compassionate daughter, sister, aunt, godmother and friend to many.
Maggie is the oldest and the last surviving member of her immediate family. She was preceded in death by her sisters, Monica Spegar, Matilda Devaney and Helen Moses; and her brother, Michael A. Spegar Jr. Magdalen is survived by two brothers-in-law, John Moses, New York; and Walter Devaney, New Mexico; and many adoring nephews and nieces.
Funeral services will be conducted Saturday, March 13, with Mass at 9:30 a.m. in St. Patrick's Church at Holy Cross Parish, Olyphant. Interment, Holy Ghost Cemetery, Blakely, Pa.
Those attending the Mass are asked to proceed directly to church. All CDC guidelines must be followed.
Arrangements by the Michael P. Glinsky Funeral Home Inc., 129 Grant St., Olyphant, Pa. Please visit www.Glinskyfuneralhome.com for further information.