KIRSCHMAN GRACE C. Age 96, died a peaceful death Sept. 30, 2014, at Rosewood Personal Care in Richland Township, Johnstown. Born May 21, 1918, in Pittsburgh. Preceded in death by her parents, Louis and Mary (Lauda) Stehle; and all of her siblings, Louis (Buddy), Edward, Mary and Alice; also preceded in death by her beloved husband, Leslie, who died in 1989. Survived by her children, Mary Alice (David) Mihalko, Sr., Richland, Linda (Frank) Heming, Colorado, Arlene, (Gary) Kendig, North Carolina, and James, Johnstown; also survived by beloved grandchildren, David Mihalko, Jr. (Cheryl Leonardis), Windber, Jeffrey Mihalko (Dawn Filat), Richland, Amy Pribicko (Jon), Richland, Christopher Heming (Nancy Nguyen), California, Matthew Heming, Colorado, Emily Foley (Flint), North Carolina, Benjamin Kendig, and Zachary Kendig, both of Missouri, Lucas Kirschman (Kelley Fritz), Illinois, Lisa Kirschman, and fiancé, Andrew Olcott, Seattle, WA, and Lauren Kirschman, Coraopolis; and precious great-grandchildren, Sarah and Nathan Mihalko, both of Richland, Adam, Courtney and Evan Mihalko, all of Windber, Maggie, Gillian and Chloe Pribicko, all of Richland, Noah and Anna Heming, both of California, Zayda Kendig, Missouri, and Easton Foley, North Carolina; also survived by her very caring sister-in- law, Edith Gruber, Pittsburgh; and many nieces and nephews. Grace was a homemaker her entire life, taking pride in her home, children and grandchildren. She was one of the first Girl Scout leaders in Richland Township in the early '60s and went on to be a service unit director for several years. She was head of the election board in Richland Twp. for many years as well as an avid volunteer for many services wherever she lived. She loved to play cards with her neighbors and take long walks with her dog by her side. When she turned 80, she bought herself a computer and enjoyed e-mails to her friends and family and playing many games. She and Les lived in Florida for a short while until his health declined and they moved back to Pennsylvania. She eventually moved to Windber and then to Rosewood Personal Care, where she resided for 12 years and considered that her home and her caregivers as family. We all wish to convey our gratitude for the outstanding care that was given to Grace while she lived there. Grace also had a deep faith in God and a strong devotion to the blessed Mother. Her faith brought her through many episodes that occurred during her life. As arthritis, pain and then Alzheimer's disease slowly took their toll on her body, she received wonderful care and her life here on earth ended in peace and comfort. We also thank Windber Hospice nurses for their gentle care given to Grace during her final days. We rejoice in the fact that she is now with God and her dearly loved, husband and other family members. At the request of the family, there will be no visitation. Arrangements are being handled by MEEK & DALLA VALLE FUNERAL HOME, INC., Windber. Any donations should be sent to Rosewood Personal Care, 122 Carwyn Drive, Johnstown, PA 15904, or Windber Hospice, Windber, PA 15963. A Memorial Service will be held at a later date at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Church in Windber. Send condolences post-gazette.com/gb
