Margaret Mary (Trocki) Yelochan

Margaret Mary (Trocki) Yelochan 93, of Cheswick, passed peacefully surrounded by her loving family Monday, Aug. 8, 2022, while a resident at the Elms unit of Amber Woods/Harmar Village. Born and raised in Indianola, she was married for over 64 years to the late Albert M. Yelochan and was the daughter of the late Frederick and Julia (Mihalki) Trocki. Marge was a kind, compassionate and loving person who instantly made friends with everyone she met. Marge lived most of her life in Harwick and Cheswick and was trained as a licensed practical nurse, but she was known throughout the Valley for her famous stuffed pork chops and "club cake," which were hallmarks of her First Friday dinners at the Acme Slovenian Club. For several decades, as a life member and the club's President of the Women's Auxiliary, Marge oversaw a small group of friends who expertly catered weddings, funerals, birthday parties and meetings of all kinds. Between loads of laundry and maintaining a household of seven, which included her younger sister Patsy, she somehow found time to make delicious strudels, brownies and German chocolate cakes. Marge was a devoted member of St. Alphonsus and Our Lady of Victory parishes and was always willing to help family and neighbors in need. Her greatest joys were hosting holiday gatherings for her family, playing cards with her sisters and close friends and spending time with her daughters, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Whether she was dancing to the polkas of Dick Tady or Frankie Kalik at the Acme Club, playing the slots at the Rivers casino, going out to eat, or visiting Slovenia, Hawaii, Phoenix, or the yearly trips to Myrtle Beach, Marge was exuberant and had an unquenchable zest for life. Despite life's setbacks, her positive personality and feisty spirit never diminished, and she would be the first to say she had a life "well-lived." Marge is survived by her four daughters, Donna Yelochan and Marjorie Hopkins, of Springdale, Joyce (Les) Maholic, of Indiana Township, and Lois (William) Soff, of Cheswick; her three grandchildren, Albert (Jennifer) Hopkins, Sarah (Brian) Harvanek and Margaret (Christopher) Love; and her five great-grandchildren, Andrew and Caitlin Hopkins and Jake, Sam and Matthew Harvanek. She is also survived by three sisters and one brother, Patsy (Patricia) Trocki, of Russellton, Irene Myers, of Indianola, Janice Roberts, of Phoenix, Ariz., and Samuel Trocki, of Culmerville; her brother-in-law, Robert Borland; her sister-in-law, Francis Bracco; her special nephew, who was more like a son, David Borland, of Cheswick; plus numerous other nieces, nephews and great-nieces and great-nephews. Besides her husband and parents, Marge was preceded in death by her son-in-law Stephen Hopkins, and her brothers Michael, George, and Joseph Trocki. For five years Marge's home away from home was Amber Woods and the Elms. The affection for her and the care she received from the aides, nurses, activity specialists, housekeeping, facility and maintenance staff, and other residents was an inspiration to all of us and we are eternally grateful. Friends will be received from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday at the CHARLES JARVIE FUNERAL HOME, 1607 Pittsburgh St., Cheswick. A Blessing service will commence at 10 a.m. Friday, followed by burial at Lakewood Memorial Gardens, Indiana Township. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to the Lower Valley Food Bank (325 School St., Springdale, PA 15144).

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