Ethel G. Loreski

Ethel G. "Ettie" Loreski, 95, of West Newton, formerly of Smithton, died Tuesday, Feb. 17, 2015, at Southwest Nursing Center, West Mifflin. She was born in New Castle, a daughter of the late Michael and Margaret Burkhart Bales. She grew up between Alverton and Baltimore before coming to West Newton to be raised by her grandparents, Caseous and Jane Burkhart. She was a graduate of West Newton High School, with the Class of 1938, and her proudest moment was being named most valuable player on the girls basketball team that year. She worked at Westinghouse in Turtle Creek during World War II, owned the L and S Florial Shop on Second St. in West Newton, Loreski's Greenhouse in Smithton and worked as a prep cook at the 76 Truck Stop in Smithton. Ettie loved to play cards, bowling, all sports, traveling, children, "she would say that there are no bad children, just bad parents", and had a zest for life. In addition to her parents and grandparents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Elwood Loreski; three brothers, Jay, Wayne and Jack Bales; and a sister, Betty Bales Matthews. She is survived by nieces and nephews, Jill and Jim Maxson, their children, Jamie Hodge and Tim Hodge; and grandchildren, Brandon and Emily, Jay Bird Maxson and fiancee, Rachel Orr, and their child, Gabrielle, Margie Lou and Dave Giannini and their children, Gary "Gar Bear" and Grant David. She is also survived by her Godchild, Carol and Bruce Martindale, and son, Broch; a brother-in-law, Norman Matthews; special friends, Margie and Tony Liberati, their children, Dana, Carla, Lisa and families, Vickie and Charlie Heavet and family, and Eveline Danter and Luella Manack. As per Ethel's wish, there will be no viewing. Burial will be in the Olive Branch Cemetery. Donations may be made to the Olive Branch Cemetery, 300 Route 981, Belle Vernon, PA 15012 in Ethel's name.