Marilyn J. (Kengor) Cupec

Age 86, a lifelong resident of Creighton, passed away Thursday, January 13, 2022 at Forbes Hospital, Monroeville.  She was born on June 6, 1935 in Creighton and was the daughter of the late Joseph A. and Mary M. (Slanicka) Kengor.

She graduated from East Deer-Frazer High School, Class of 1953.  Marilyn earned her Bachelor’s degree from Carlow University (formerly Mount Mercy) in Oakland.  She was a longtime elementary school teacher for the Deer Lakes School District, but had once contemplated entering a convent.  She remained passionate about her faith throughout her life. She served as a church organist at age 14, and was a member of Guardian Angels Parish, Holy Family Roman Catholic Church in Creighton.  There she was a member of the Christian Mothers Ladies Guild organization, volunteering for the many church fundraisers including; Lenten fish fry dinners, pierogi making sessions, and hours spent baking traditional Eastern European Christmas cookies.  The Slovak Christmas Eve gathering and dinner, Vilija, that is rich with traditional foods, religious symbolism and family, was a joyous and simultaneously somber event.  The celebration of this special dinner became an especially poignant occasion over the years, as it marked both the anniversary of her wedding engagement, and years later the passing of her mother.  Marilyn was engaged after Midnight Mass in 1957, and as the parishioners filed out of the church that night, she and her fiancé knelt in front of the altar and received an impromptu blessing from the priest, Father Burdis.

She was an accomplished seamstress, and her talent for quilting was appreciated by many including the Comfort and Joy Sewing Group, of which she was one of the founding members.  They volunteered their time creating numerous handmade items for servicemen and women, as well as those in need.  Marilyn looked forward to traveling and loved her Myrtle Beach vacations, especially time she spent with her family and friends under the bright South Carolina skies. She also enjoyed gardening and organizing the annual family reunion. Growing up, you could find Marilyn working at Kengor’s Market, the family grocery store and butcher shop.

She was a cherished mother to her five children; Joan M. Cupec of Creighton, Pamela A. Cupec (Tim Greiner) of Shaler, PA, John C. Cupec of Phoenixville, PA, Patrick J. (Margaret) Cupec of Clinton Township, MI, and Paul A. Cupec of Souderton, PA.  She was a loving and proud grandmother to Zachary A. Cupec, Tyler A. Cupec, Rachel L. Cupec, and Abigail S. (Michael) Berardi.  She was a devoted sister to Marcia J. (Frederick) Brandt of Pleasanton, CA, and Joseph A. (Kim) Kengor of Canfield, OH, as well as a wonderful aunt to many nieces and nephews.  In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, John R. Cupec who passed away on June 7, 1976.  

Relatives and friends will be received on Tuesday, January 18, 2022 from 2-4 & 6-8 p.m. in the Paul R. Ajak Funeral Home, Inc., 921 Freeport Road, Creighton, Pa 15030, where a parting prayer will be held Wednesday at 9:30 a.m., followed by a Christian Funeral Mass at 10 a.m. Guardian Angel Parish in Holy Family R.C. Church, 787 Freeport Road, Creighton.  Burial will follow in Our Lady of Hope Cemetery, Frazer Township. The family would appreciate that all who will be visiting the funeral home and/or attending the Mass to please wear a mask. 

Memorial contributions may be made in her name to the St. Vincent DePaul Society of Guardian Angels Parish, 1526 Union Avenue, Natrona Heights, PA 15065. 

To share an online condolence please visit www.ajakfh.com.