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Claire M. Mallick, 94, of Tamaqua and formerly of Shenandoah, passed away on Wednesday, January 8th at the Lehigh Valley Schuylkill Medical Center – East, Pottsville.
Born in Shenandoah on August 25th, 1925, she was the daughter of the late Anthony and Mary “Tomczyk” Cichocki.
Claire was a 1943 graduate of the former J.W. Cooper High School. She worked for several local businesses over the years and was last employed by the American Red Cross until she was 82 years old. She was a member of the former Holy Ghost Polish National Church in Shenandoah for many years where she served as treasurer. She belonged to the Polish Ladies Social Club and was the last member of the Polka Belles where she also served as treasurer. Claire enjoyed spending time at the casino. She also enjoyed cooking, her family and friends are going to certainly miss her famous meatballs.
Besides her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, George Michael Mallick in 1964, 2 brothers, Michael and Frank Cichocki, and 2 sisters, Joan Gontec and Theresa Gogolla.
Claire leaves behind 1 son, Ted Mallick with his wife Nancy – Conshohocken, Pa, 1 daughter, Pam Klitsch with her husband Mark – Tamaqua, Pa, 4 grandchildren, Michael Mallick, Stephanie McKenna with Joe, Janelle Do with Linh, and Shawn Klitsch with Abigail. Also surviving are 3 great grandchildren, Russell and Nora McKenna and Oliver Klitsch, and several nieces and nephews.
A funeral Mass will be celebrated on Saturday, January 11th at 10:30am in St. John the Baptist Polish National Catholic Church, Frackville by Fr. Robert Plichta. A visitation for family and friends will be held prior to Mass at the Oravitz Home for Funerals Inc, 40 N. Jardin St, Shenandoah from 8 to 10am on Saturday morning. Burial will follow services in the Holy Ghost Polish National Church Cemetery, Shenandoah Heights.
Contributions in Claire’s memory may be made to: The Greater Shenandoah Area Historical Society or the American Red Cross.
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Paul M. Sekela, 59, of Shenandoah, passed away on Wednesday, January 8, 2020 at his home.
Born in Shenandoah on December 14th, 1960 he was the son of the late Paul and Jean “Staskel” Sekela.
He was a 1978 graduate of the former Cardinal Brennan High School. Paul worked for Jeld-Wen in Ringtown, Pa for many years.
He is survived by his sister, Susan Krusinsky wife of Francis “Fritz”, Shenandoah.
Paul was a member of the Knights of Columbus – Francis Cardinal Brennan Council 618, Shenandoah, a social member of the Polish American Fire Company, a life member of the Park Crest Fish and Game Club, and a member of the former Eagles F.O.E. in Shenandoah. He loved hunting and the outdoors and was an avid Penn State fan.
A graveside burial will be conducted on Saturday, January 11th at 10:30am in the Our Lady of Fatima Cemetery, Shenandoah Heights.
Contributions in Paul's memory may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital