Anna Josephine Michalka

1925 - 2025

Anna Josephine Keretzman Michalka, 99, of Meadowlands, passed away peacefully in the early afternoon Saturday, January 18, 2025, in the Washington Hospital. She was born August 20, 1925, to parents Anna Jarosik and John Keretzman. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Method Matthew Michalka, of 49 years; her son, Matthew Michalka, who died at birth; her half-sister, Mary (Marsha) Cholak Roman; and her brother, John Keretzman. She is survived by two daughters, Lorraine Michalka Scott (husband George), and Cathy Michalka Barger (husband Mark.) Anna was a devoted wife and mother. She enjoyed the art of cooking, caring for her home and landscape. A lifelong resident of Meadowlands, she was a wealth of information on the history of her hometown, especially the Rich Hill area. Raised in a melting pot of first generation Eastern European immigrants, she spoke in English and Slovak. She was a raconteur of stories of "Old Meadowlands" especially of the Depression of the 1930s and the World War II era as she rode the streetcars of old, recounted the Old Show movie theater on Pike Street, and worked on maintaining LST boats during the war. She was a pioneer of sorts of fusion cuisine in blending recipes from the Old World with the new. She attended Chartiers High School Class of 1942 earning her diploma with GED. She was a lifelong member of Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal Catholic Church in Meadowlands. She was employed for nine years at the Tygart Valley Glass Factory in Washington before starting her family, and also briefly worked in a local donut shop and Lang's Department Store. In her retirement, she enjoyed traveling with her local AARP chapter friends. She will be so sadly missed by her family and neighbors. A blessing service will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday, January 23, in the mausoleum of Woodruff Memorial Park, 2095 Washington Road, Canonsburg, PA 15317. Arrangements have been entrusted to the McIlvaine-Speakman Funeral Home, Robert K. McIlvaine, owner / supervisor, 27 Cherry Avenue, Houston, PA 15342. Condolences may be left for the family by viewing the obituary at www.mcilvaine-speakman.com