Avalene M. Cantini

1943 - 2025

Avalene Marie (Mann) Cantini, 81, formerly of Herminie, PA, passed away peacefully on Friday, Jan. 17, 2025, at Westmoreland Hospital in Greensburg, PA. She was born Sept. 8, 1943, in Clymer, PA. Daughter of the late Frank Francis Mann and Pauline Frances (Kocopi) Mann-Wolowietz and the late Michael Wolowietz. She graduated with honors from North Hills High School, Class of 1961. Avalene was the owner and operator of First Class Specialties & The Notary Shop. She ran the business with her late husband, Gary, for 40+ years. She was active in Pennsylvania Lions and was the first lady president of Sewickley Area Lions Club. She was a First Lady to PA District E Lions in 1987-1988 and took a wonderful trip to Taipei, Taiwan, for the international convention. She was a past matron and past treasurer of the Order of Eastern Star, William E. Gelston #435, Greensburg, PA, and Scottdale #383 Order of the Eastern Star, Scottdale, PA. She was an active member of the Sewickley Area Business and Civic Association, holding the position of secretary for many years, then treasurer, as well as secretary for the Herminie Centennial Committee 1894-1994. Avalene loved her children and grandchildren. She attended all their sporting events through high school, whether she understood the rules or not. She went on many memorable trips with her family through the years, including Hershey, PA; Niagara Falls, Gettysburg, a trip along the Outer Banks coast to view lighthouses; and a cruise to the Bahamas. She enjoyed the Hallmark Channel, word search, reading, bingo, and listening to oldies. Avalene loved her life at Odin View and all the friends she made. She enjoyed Thursday night card and game night and belonged to a book club. She is preceded in death by both parents; loving husband of 46 years, Gary A. Cantini Sr.; and sister, Marlene Milcic. Mother of Gary A. (Brenda) Cantini Jr. of Auburn, AL, Dawn Marie (Billy) Young of Greensburg, PA, Marc A. (Erica) Cantini from The Villages, FL; and bonus daughter, Wendy 'Apodaca' Perkins. Grandma to Jacob Mock, Keegan Young, Michael Cantini, Marilyn Cantini, Melanie Cantini, Jessica (Richard) Lamb, and Kayla (Austin) Adams. Great Grandma to Sophia, Riley, Alexis, Eric, Krewz, Layla, Amelia, Rylan, Jacelynn, and Cason. Sister to Adrienne (Dave) Kneiss of Prospect, PA, Geraldine (Don) Green of Sewickley, PA, and Frank (Linda) Mann of North Hills, PA. Aunt to numerous nieces and nephews and special cousin, Rita Berner. The family would like to send a special thank you to the friends Avalene made at Odin View and caregiver, Trudy Teats, who all became part of her family. Friends will be received from 2 to 4 p.m. and 6 to 8 p.m., on Friday, Jan. 24, 2025, at the BEATTY-RICH FUNERAL HOME, INC., Route 136 Madison, PA 15663. Ronald A. Rich Jr., Supervisor/FD. A funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m., on Saturday, Jan. 25, 2025, at the funeral home with Deacon Bob Stauffer officiating. Interment will follow at the West Newton Cemetery in West Newton, PA. To leave an online condolence, please visit www.beatty-richfuneralhome.com