Theresa B. Penczak Obituary - Visitation & Funeral Information

Theresa Bernadette “Bernie” (Smelko) Penczak, 87, of Freedom, entered her new life on Holy Thursday, April 1, 2021. She will be celebrating the resurrection of Easter in Heaven. She was born December 26, 1933 in Conway, PA, the daughter of the late Michael and Anna (Chabala) Smelko. She attended St. Felix Catholic School in Freedom, and graduated from St. Veronica High School, in Ambridge in 1952. Bernie worked for many years at Spang-Chalfant (ARMCO Steel), where she met Leonard, her loving husband of 65 years. Later in life, her favorite business adventure was catering with her husband and dearest friends. Throughout her life she was the ultimate caregiver to numerous people. Bernie's twinkling eyes, bright smile, easy laugh, attention to detail, and unending kindness gifted everyone who knew her. Her heart knew no boundaries and she was always thinking of others. She appreciated God's creativity and accepted all of his creations with grace. Bernie was a highly devoted member and very active volunteer at St. Felix /Our Lady of the Valley Parrish as a eucharistic minister, sacristan, and was willing to do anything the church asked of her. In 2011, Bernie was given the “Manifesting the Kingdom” award by the Diocese of Pittsburgh for her lifetime of exceptional service to the church. She was a member of the L.C.B.A., Christian Mothers’ Association, the National Council of Catholic Women, the Polish National Alliance, the Beaver County Historical and Landmarks Association, just to name a few. She was preceded in death by her parents Michael and Anna Smelko, brother, John (Jack) Smelko, four sisters, Elizabeth Smelko, Mary Ann Stablow, Eleanor Smelko and Margaret Reedich. Surviving is husband Leonard Penczak, Freedom, sister Alice M. (Biagio) Pagani, Beaver, son Gregory (Sandy) Penczak, Freedom, daughter Christine (Christofer) Lombardo, Beaver, and numerous nieces and nephews whom she loved. Friends will be received Tuesday, April 6, 2021 from 2 – 4 PM and 6 – 8 PM in the WILLIAM MURPHY FUNERAL HOME, INC. 349 Adams Street, Rochester. Mass of Christian burial will be held Wednesday, at 10 AM in the St. Felix R.C. Church, Freedom, Fr. Mark Carter, celebrant. With Covid 19 concerns, face masks and social distancing are required. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Felix Catholic Church, Freedom, PA, 450 13th Street, Freedom, PA 15042.

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Theresa B. Penczak

December 26, 1933 - April 1, 2021