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BORN

1924

DIED

2015

FUNERAL HOME

Meehan Shilk Funeral Home Inc.

130 Center Street

Ridgway, Pennsylvania

Sophie DeChano Obituary

Sophie DeChano, 90, 515 Cherry Ave., Ridgway, passed away Monday, Feb. 9, 2015, at home surrounded by her loved ones.
She was born Dec. 9, 1924, in Rascelas, the daughter of the late Josef and Lottie Rose Cebulski Szymanski. She attended school in Instanter. She married Paul D. DeChano; he preceded her in death Oct. 17, 1994.
Mrs. DeChano was a Ridgway resident for 63 years. She was a member of St. Leo's Catholic Church and the Ridgway C.D. of A.
Her employment in Buffalo, N.Y., during World War II earned her the distinction of being a Rosie the Riveter. Other employment included Stackpole in Johnsonburg, G.C. Murphy's in Ridgway, and the Elk County General Hospital, where she was a cook for many years.
She enjoyed playing bingo, cards, softball and basketball. She was an accomplished baker, well known for her wedding cakes and homemade pizza parties for her family and friends. Mrs. DeChano was a longtime rosary leader at Ridgmont Assisted Living. She was always available for family and friends.
She is survived by five daughters: Gina and Steve Gausman of Ridgway, Paula Guffey (John Cunningham) of Naples, Fla., Barbara Lanese of Bradford, Jenny Jo Barber of Brockway and Eva and Michael Feidler of St. Marys. She is also survived by the following grandchildren: Gina and Steve Gausman's children, Stacey Adamski (Joe), Ericka Martell (Pat), Jodi McVan (Mike); Jenny Jo Barber's children: Nicholas Barber (Jenna), Raena Lindemuth (Brent); Eva Feidler's children: Lea Chamberlin (Nick), Michele Feidler; and by 17 great-grandchildren. She is also survived by two sisters, Jackie Myslinski (John) of New Jersey and Bobbie Hokoana (Ted) of Virginia.
She was also preceded in death by three sisters, Josephine Virgil, Lillian Detar, Rose Guigino; and five brothers: Alex, Adam, Walter, Joseph and Siegfried Szymanski.
Friends will be received from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 12, 2015, at the Meehan-Shilk Funeral Home, Ridgway. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Friday, Feb. 13, at St. Leo's Catholic Church in Ridgway with the Rev. Fr. Brian Vossler, pastor, officiating. Interment will be in Parklawn Memorial Gardens.
Memorial donations may be made to the charity of the donor's choice.

Published by The Courier Express from Feb. 11 to Feb. 12, 2015.
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Memories and Condolences
for Sophie DeChano

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Jenn,
When we lose a loved one here on earth, we gain an Angel in heaven that watches over us. May you take comfort in knowing that you have an Angel to watch over you now.
I extend my most sincere condolences to you.

Frederick Von Cratt

February 11, 2015

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Funeral services provided by:

Meehan Shilk Funeral Home Inc.

130 Center Street, Ridgway, PA 15853

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