Margaret Mehalick

MEHALICK, Margaret
"Jeannie"
Age 67, of Elmira, died Tuesday, September 2, 2008, after a long illness. Jeannie was born November 21, 1940, a daughter of the late Raymond S. and Stella Cherkis Conklin. She is also predeceased by her son Peter J. Mehalick, and brother John R. Conklin. Jeannie is survived by her husband of 47 years, Andy Mehalick, whom she married on August 12, 1961 at Camp Pendleton in California; son and daughter-in-law, Michael R. and Kimberly Mehalick of New Carrollton, MD, with children, James, Matthew, and Elizabeth; daughter, Susan A. Mehalick, with husband Steven Wilcox, and daughter Eve, of Saratoga Springs, NY; sisters and brother-in-law, Mary Ellen Maycumber, Ann and Joseph Chalk; sisters-in-law and brother-in-law, June Conklin, Elaine and Robert MacBlane, all of Elmira; uncle and aunt, John and Lee Cherkis of Elmira; long time friend and neighbor Sally Cox; along with many nieces, nephews, and cousins. Jeannie grew up on Elmira's east side and attended St. Cecilia's Elementary School. She graduated Elmira Free Academy in 1958 and routinely raced "Elmira Express" Ernie Davis to school in the morning to beat the final bell (she said she often won). She went on to study at University of Buffalo and Elmira College. An active volunteer during the 1970s, she served in many capacities at Our Lady of Lourdes Church and elementary school, as a member of Mothers Club, parish council, school board and bingo team #4 – part of the crew that worked tirelessly to raise the capital to build the parish center. As well, she was a Cub Scout den mother, CYO cheerleading coach and school librarian. She was a lover of shoes, shopping, chocolate, and red lipstick. Above all, she was a dedicated mother and caregiver to her own family and parents, as well as her beloved grand nieces, Mariah and Erynne Chalk. Her family greatly appreciates her selflessness and grace in caring for Peter, especially during his final illness. Friends are invited to McInerny Funeral Home, corner of Water and Walnut Sts., on Sunday, September 7, 2008, from 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. A prayer service will be held at the funeral home on Monday, September 8, 2008, at 10:15 a.m., followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 11:00 a.m. at Our Lady of Lourdes Church. Interment will follow at St. Peter & Paul's Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations in Jeannie's memory may be directed to Notre Dame High School, 1400 Maple Avenue, Elmira, NY 14904.