Virginia A. Marone

She had many nicknames, this spirited little lady: Mom, Mom-Mom, Grandma, Short Stack, GiGi (for great grandmom). But, by any name, Virginia Ann Marone was a force to be reckoned with. Even years of chronic pain, dozens of operations and a recent bout with COVID could not keep her from nearing 94.

"Ginny," as most called her, credited word search books with keeping her sharp. She also worked hard until she could not, from carrying food trays at Sacred Heart Hospital while still in high school, to becoming "the queen of clean," and a lover, planter and arranger of all flowers, real and artificial. No wonder her family name was "Gardner."

While at Country Meadows in Allentown and Fellowship Manor in Whitehall, where she took her final breath, Ginny made and gave away more than 160 pressed-flower bookmarks, countless arrangements, and legacy flower shadowboxes for immediate family.

Ginny loved polkas, roller skating, scratch-off tickets, slot machines, Bingo, TV game shows, ice cream and all who came to visit. She gained fame for making Italian pretzel cookies and decorating cakes for relatives and friends.

Born in Allentown on Jan. 14, 1932, she was a daughter of the late Anna (Oberdoerster) and Bruce Gardner, and the widow of Andrew Marone.

She is survived by sons Bruce Wlazelek and wife Ann of Upper Macungie Township, and Brian Wlazelek and wife Cindy of Reading; four grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; and four nephews. She was predeceased by siblings Milton and Theodore Gardner and Mildred Keppel; and grandson Brad Wlazelek.

Ginny spent her life striving for perfection in an imperfect world. We are grateful for all she did and taught us, but also thankful her departure was peaceful, with family by her side.

Kudos to the aides, nurses, hospice staffers, therapists, doctors and volunteers who showed her compassion and kindness. There are too many to name.

Graveside services will be at the convenience of the family at Highland Park Memorial Cemetery, Allentown, with Trexler Funeral Home handling arrangements. In lieu of flowers and in honor of Ginny's giving nature, please donate to your favorite charity.