Elizabeth L. Mickinak

1945 - 2018

Elizabeth Lorraine (Keys) Mickinak, 72, of Latrobe, passed away Monday, Nov. 19, 2018, at her home. Born Dec. 18, 1945, in Latrobe, she was a daughter of the late Earl W. Keys and Violet (McCreery) Keys. Lorraine was a 1963 graduate of Latrobe High School, where she was a member of the chorus and National Honor Society. After high school, she was employed by LD Construction and became a corporate officer and part owner, along with her husband, Jim, of J.M. Builders and Remodeling Co., Inc., of Latrobe. She had been a longtime volunteer and current board member and vice president of the Latrobe Area Historical Society. In her capacity as a board member, she was instrumental in the purchase of the former Beth Israel Synagogue in Latrobe for the new home of the historical society and coordinated the efforts of J.M. Builders to renovate the building and move the historical contents from the elementary school to the new site. She also assisted with the placement of the historic Indian Millstone in the front of the new historical society building. Her love of history led her to be a collector of Latrobe memorabilia, as well as memorabilia for her and her husband's Rolling Rock collection. She also collected Vaseline glass, clowns and Swarovski crystal. She enjoyed dining out at different restaurants, going to auctions and flea markets, and coordinating her Fourth of July and New Year's Eve parties. Lorraine will be remembered as an excellent hostess, and was pleased to have hosted the biggest and best reunion of the Class of 1963 and a 70th birthday party for the classmates. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by one brother, Howard Keys; and one sister, Violet "Sis" Marshall. Lorraine is survived by her husband of 55 years, her high school sweetheart, James N. Mickinak; two sons, Todd M. Mickinak and his wife, Sandra, and Douglas J. Mickinak and his wife, Dena; two grandchildren, Cody J. Mickinak and Sarah A. Mickinak; one brother, Donald Keys; and she is also survived by several nieces and nephews. Lorraine's family would like to thank her personal aides, Dena Mickinak and Gloria Mickinak, as well as Connie and Darren from Bethlen Home Health and Hospice for all of the compassionate care they provided.
Family and friends will be received from 2 to 4 and 6 to 9 p.m. Friday at the JOHN J. LOPATICH FUNERAL HOME INC., 601 Weldon St., Latrobe. Parastas service will be held at 5:30 p.m. Friday in the funeral home. Panachida service will be held at 10:30 a.m. Saturday in the funeral home, followed by a funeral service at 11 a.m. at Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary Ukrainian Catholic Church, Latrobe, with the Rev. Jaroslav Koval officiating. Interment will follow at Unity Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that memorial contributions be made in her name to the Latrobe Area Historical Society, P.O. Box 266, Latrobe, PA 15650. To sign online guestbook, send condolences, or to view detailed obituary information, please visit www.lopatich.com.