Rosemary K. Flajnik, age 75, un- expectedly passed away on January 4, 2024, in her Rochester home. Born on May 1, 1948, in Rochester, Rosie was the beloved daughter of Albert and Nada Flajnik. She was predeceased by her loving parents. Rosie attended St. Cecilia Catholic grade and elementa- ry school in Rochester PA before transitioning to Mount Gallitzin, an all-girls Catholic High School in Baden. She continued her education at Geneva College in Beaver Falls, PA, where she earned a Bachelor of Science degree in audiology. Rosie furthered her studies at Indiana University of Pennsylvania, obtaining a Master’s Degree in Early Education. Rosie started her career as an audi- ologist for PSEA Beaver County. During this time, she also served on the Hopewell School Board. Rosie left the world of education and started a long and prosperous career at Staples where she retired after 24 years. She also was a loving caregiver for her mother, Nada. Rosie was a dedicated member of St. Cecilia Catholic Church (now Our Lady of the Valley), Where she served on multiple committees, especially working with youth groups. Her faith was an integral part of her life, and her commitment to the church was unwavering. In the 1970s Rosie was the organizer of the St. Cecilia contemporary music group, performing at Masses and throughout
Beaver County in various venues. Rosie is survived by her brother, Martin (Susan) Flajnik of Ellicott City, MD, and her sister, Christine (Ish) Rivera. She also leaves behind three nieces, Ariel (Alfred) Flajnik-Plitt, Natalia Rivera, Amanda Rivera, and one nephew, Miguel Rivera. Rosie was also a cherished godmother to many. The funeral arrangements are being handled by I and J Spratt Funeral Home. Family and friends will gather to celebrate Rosie’s life and bid her farewell, Saturday, January 13, from 9am until the Mass of Christian burial at 10am, in the Our Lady of the Valley, St. Cecilia Parish, Rochester.
Private inurnment will follow the service at St. Cecilia Catholic Cemetery. In memory of Rosie, her family kindly requests donations to be made to St. Cecilia Catholic Church (now Our Lady of the Valley) in Rochester, PA. Rosie’s warm presence, kind heart, and unwavering faith will be deeply missed by all those who had the privilege of knowing her. May her soul rest in eternal peace.

Forrest R. Douglass

Forrest Ray Douglass, 93, of South Beaver Twp. passed away peacefully in his sleep under the care of Good Samaritan Hospice, Saturday, January 6, 2024.
Forrest was born in East Liverpool, OH to Leland Ray and Thecil Mildred (Pearson) Douglass on July 13, 1930.  He graduated from Beaver Falls High School, where he developed his interest in photography and entered the U.S. Air Force in the autumn of 1948. He was trained as a ground photographer and lab technician and with more training became classified as a Senior Aerial Photographer.  He served in that role until honorably discharged in 1952 with the rank of Sgt.  The Air Force was a great experience for him and he had many entertaining stories about his various station assignments in Texas, Arizona, Colorado, England, Europe and Newfoundland.
Forrest, also known as Bub (Uncle), Doug (Uncle), Dad and Hon, was hired by Michael Baker, Jr., a civil engineering company creating an aerial photography team way before there was GPS.  He worked for the company 42 years, the first 20 with his good friend, pilot Dave Metheny and then the rest, as photo lab supervisor.  After building their first house, Forrest became ‘Hon’ marrying Eva Lillian Psik on May19, 1956 in the Campbell Memorial U.P. Church where they first met.  They started their family in 1958.  But before that Doug completely embraced Eva’s little brother and sister, John and Millie, respectively.
Forrest was a member of the First United Presbyterian Church in Darlington where for many years he served as an Elder and taught an adult Sunday school class. He was a member of Parian Lodge # 662 F & AM, reaching the 32nd degree and a Beaver Falls Elks Club Life member.  Before retirement, Doug joined the Beaver Valley Wood Carvers Club so he’d have something to do afterwards.
Following retirement Forrest worked part-time at McElwain Motors and then delved into the world of kitchen gadgets, helping Eva garden, and, cooking his favorite meal of the day, breakfast.
Doug and Eva always took the kids on camping or history-oriented vacations in the summer times and with buddies, Len, Sonny and Jim, did build a small cabin ‘in the mountains’ of Forest County, PA which was a favorite family get away.  Doug began his life-long interest in wood-working when the kids were little.  He made many cherished and functional pieces of furniture as well as small useful items that both he and Eva created jointly for family gifts through the years.  His wood carving sometimes ventured into the humorous.
He will be sadly missed by his two children, Beth Douglass (Jere Maddux), Ames, IA,  Brian (Kim) Douglass, South Beaver Twp., PA and his sister, Lorena L. Ellefson, Chippewa, PA, his granddaughter, Nicole Douglass, East Palestine, OH, grandson, Joshua (Chelsea) Douglass, Glenshaw, PA and 3 great grandchildren, Sean Hutton, Jr., Owen Hutton and Kyle Douglass.  He is remembered fondly by his in-laws/outlaws, nieces, nephews and cousins for his sense of humor or sometimes, lack thereof, his generosity and loyalty, conversations and very much with Eva in the hospitality they shared with their related families and friends.
Forrest was preceded in death by his wife, Eva L. Douglass in 2020 and his brothers Kenneth V. Douglass and Keith J. Douglass.
The family offers thanks to all the caregivers that served Forrest at Beaver Valley Rehab and Healthcare.  And, very much gratitude is extended to Good Samaritan Hospice and their staff, Jessica, Renee, Ashley, Nicole and Dawn for their care and kindness.
Memorials may include the First United Presbyterian Church in Darlington or St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital.
Friends will be received Tuesday from 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. in the HILL AND KUNSELMAN FUNERAL HOME, www.hillandkunselman.com , 3801 Fourth Ave., Beaver Falls. A funeral service will be held Wednesday at 11:00 a.m. at First United Presbyterian Church in Darlington with Pastor Gary Brown officiating. Interment will follow in Seceder Cemetery in South Beaver Twp.

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Shirley Matthews

Shirley A. Matthews, 92, of West Mayfield passed away on Thursday, January 4, 2024.
Shirley was born on July 31, 1931 in Big Beaver Boro to the late Wray and Edna (Hartman) Stitt. She retired in 1991 after 42 years as an Assembler for Westinghouse Electric Company. She was a member of First Presbyterian Church in Beaver Falls and the Auxiliary of the Beaver Falls American Legion Post 261.
Shirley was preceded in death by husband of 59 years, Clarence C. Matthews in 2015. Together Shirley and Matt enjoyed fishing in Canada, hunting, camping and traveling, having seen all 50 states. They toured Europe and Greece on a cruise through the Panama Canal, in addition to many other adventures. When home she enjoyed working in her yard and doing arts and crafts.
In addition to her husband, she was preceded in death by three brothers Wray, Robert, and Norman Stitt and two sisters, Eleanor Eckman and Gladys Rogan.
Friends will be received Wednesday, January 10th from 12 Noon until the time of service at 1:00 p.m. in the HILL AND KUNSELMAN FUNERAL HOME, www.hillandkunselman.com, 3801 Fourth Avenue, Beaver Falls. Interment will be in Grandview Cemetery, Big Beaver Boro.
Memorial contributions may be made to First Presbyterian Church, 1103 – 8th Avenue, Beaver Falls, PA 15010.
To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Shirley Matthews, please visit our floral store.

Robert Hlista

Robert Hlista, 75, a resident of Brighton Rehab and Wellness Center, Brighton Twp., formerly of Baden, died Friday, January 5, 2024. He was born on March 4, 1948 in Ambridge, to the late Stephen Hlista, Sr. and Elizabeth (Tomko) Hlista. He is survived by his brother, Stephen Hlista, Jr. of Baden, aunt, Ann Neish of Center Twp., nieces, Valerie Neish of Center Twp., Rachael Hlista of Coraopolis and a nephew, Anthony (Lexi) Hlista of Bethel Park. There was no public visitation. Private burial will take place in SS Peter and Paul Cemetery. Arrangements were entrusted to the John Syka Funeral Home, Inc. Ambridge, PA.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Robert Hlista, please visit our floral store.

Carol A. Finch

Carol A. Finch, 79, of Harmony Twp., passed away peacefully on Thursday, January 4, 2024. She was born on July 5, 1944, in Rochester.  She was a 1962 graduate of Ambridge High School and received her associates degree in secretarial administration from Robert Morris Junior College graduating Summa Cum Laude. Carol then began her long career as executive secretary at the American Bridge Division of United States Steel Corporation. She was a longtime faithful member of St. Vladimir Ukrainian Orthodox Church, Ambridge. Her passion in life was being a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother. She was preceded in death by her parents, Ann and George Brodarac. Surviving are her loving husband of 55 years, David J. Finch, daughter, Jacqueline Barkley of Harmony Twp. two grandchildren, Noah and Mallory Barkley along with many nieces, nephews, and cousins. Friends will be received on Wednesday from 3 PM until time of Parastas services at 7:30 PM in the John Syka Funeral Home, Inc. 833 Drive, Ambridge. Translation of the body will take place at 8 PM to St.Vladimir Ukranian Orthodox Church. Addition visitation will take place at on Thursday from 9:30 AM until time of funeral services at 10 AM at the church. Her pastor, the Very Rev. Michael Kochis will officiate. Interment will follow in Economy Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are suggested to the St. Vladimir Parish Endowment Fund, 313 Ninth Street, Ambridge, PA 15003.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Carol A. Finch, please visit our floral store.

Lawrence G. Schad

Lawrence G. Schad, 81, of Brighton Township, passed away on January 5, 2024.
Born on June 16, 1942, in Pittsburgh Pa, he was the son of the late George and Ruth Schad. Lawrence was a proud veteran of the U.S. Navy, having served during the Vietnam War, on a submarine, and had been a resident of Beaver since 1971. He went on to work and retire from First Energy, formerly Duquesne Light, where he was superintendent of the BVII and later the training administrator at the simulator building after 30 years. Lawrence was also a member of First Reformed Presbyterian Church, Patterson, Twp.
Along with his parents, Lawrence is preceded in death by his first wife, Patricia Schad (2015).
Lawrence will be sadly missed by his second wife, Virginia Houlette Schad; son, Ron (Lori) Schad, Center Twp.; two daughters, Kathy Schad, Vanport, and Missy (Dan) McNutt, Darlington; adopted son, Rich (Melanie) Kessler, Pittsburgh; sister, Lorraine McManus, Pittsburgh; grandchildren, Jim Barnes II, Nathan and Kyle Schad, and a great-grandsons, Jimmy Barnes III, and Bryden Barnes.
Friends will be received in the Noll Funeral Home Inc., 333 Third Street, on Tuesday January 9, 2024 from 2pm-4pm and 6pm-8pm, where a Funeral Service will be conducted on Wednesday January 10, 2024 at 11am. Online condolences may be shared at www.nollfuneral.com.
Private Interment to follow at Beaver Cemetery.

Mark Anthony Sebastian, Jr.

Mark Anthony Sebastian Jr., 69 of Beaver Falls, peacefully passed into his eternal life on January 2, 2024 in his home.

Mark was born May 11, 1954 in Beaver Falls. Born and raised in West Mayfield, he attended St. Philomena Catholic grade school and graduated from Beaver Falls High School in 1972. Mark worked hard at several jobs all his life. He was a first degree member of the local Knights of Columbus.

He was preceded in death by his Father Mark A. Sebastian, mother Laverne Carroll, sister Cheri and many Aunts and Uncles, including his Godmother Mary Lokey.

He is survived by his brother Bo Sebastian, sisters Carolyn Sebastian, Cindy Guandolo and Lori Brennan.

Also survived by first cousins Fred, Greg, Gary, George, Beth, Jack, Carolyn, Steve, George, Evie, Chris, Renee, Art and very close cousin Nancy. And several second and third cousins.

Mark was a man of many talents, he played guitar, was amazing at solving Soduku puzzles and could fix, repair and make just about anything, he was ‘MacGyver’. He was affectionately called Seabiscuit by his cousins. Most of all Mark was a master gardener! He loved watching his garden grow and shared the fruits of his labors with those he loved!

Eternal rest grant to him O Lord and let perpetual light shine upon him. May he rest in peace.

All services were private.

Nancy thanks Gabauer Family Funeral Homes who assisted with Marks arrangements including laying him to rest in St. Mary’s Cemetery in Chippewa Township.

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Lorrain “Lori” M. Sadowy, 59, of Baden, passed away on January 4, 2024. She was the daughter of the late Peter and Mary Sadowy. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her siblings, Rebecca Sadowy and Robert Sadowy. Suring are her brothers, Leonard Sadowy and Fiancé Nicole Moye and William (Christine) Sadowy, nieces, Kayla Sadowy, Ashley Selby, Nicole White, nephew, Joshua (Courtney) Sadowy, and numerous cousins.

Lorrain was a graduate of Ambridge Area Highschool class of 1981. She was a lifelong member of Saints Peter and Paul Ukrainian Catholic Church in Ambridge. She had many interests in her life including bowling, bingo, and crossword puzzles. Lorrain loved the beach and adored all animals especially her dogs. She will be dearly missed by all that knew and loved her.

Visitation will be held on Sunday, January 7, 2023, from 2-5 PM in the Alvarez-Hahn Funeral Services and Cremation, LLC., 547 8th Street, Ambridge, 724-266-2549. A funeral mass will be held 10:00 AM Monday, January 8, 2023, at Saints Peter and Paul Ukrainian Church, 404 6th Street, Ambridge. Burial will follow at Saints Peter and Paul Cemetery, Economy. Memorial contributions can be made in care of Saints Peter and Paul Ukrainian Church, Ambridge.

John F. Usselman, 87, of New Brighton, passed away on Tuesday, January 2, 2024, at UPMC Mercy Hospital, Pittsburgh.

Born March 26, 1936, in Beaver Falls, he was the son of the late Frederick and Irene (Close) Usselman. John was Catholic by faith. He was an avid golfer, loved the Steelers and was a member of the East Palestine Country Club.

In addition to his parents, John was preceded in death by his wife, Mary Lou (Lockrouit) Usselman; two sons, Paul R. Schaffer, Jr. and Randy Schaffer; six brothers, Paul Hagg, Clarence Hagg, Herman Usselman, James Usselman, William Usselman and Karl Usselman; five sisters, Edith Greco, Mary Hawrylak, Jeanne Silvestri, Eleanor Manor and Ruth McNamee; also numerous nieces and nephews.

He is survived by his loving daughter, Karen (Wayne) Souffrant.

Friends will be received on Sunday, January 7th from 1- 5pm in the GABAUER FUNERAL HOME AND CREMATION SERVICES, INC., 1133 Penn Ave., New Brighton, www.gabauerfamilyfuneralhomes.com.

Full Military Honors will be accorded by the Beaver County Special Unit Monday, January 8^th at 10:45 am at the funeral home, followed by a Blessing service at 11 am with Father Howard Campbell as celebrant.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to the staff and nurses at UPMC Mercy for the loving care they gave to John.

Private interment will be in the National Cemetery of the Alleghenies, Bridgeville, Pa.