Evelyn (Lowpenski) Szalma, 91 of Alverda, died at her home Wednesday, June 12, 2013. Born August 6, 1921 in Elmora, Cambria County, she was a daughter of the late, Harry and Eva (Petiera) Lowpenski. She was also the widow of Frank Szalma, Sr. who died August 24, 1991. They had been married 48 years prior to his death.

Evelyn attended classes in the Elmora School District. During World War II, she and her sisters worked for the Department of Defense at factories in Ohio where they made uniforms for our soldiers and helped to assemble B-24 bombers.

Following the war she married and raised family. Throughout her life she enjoyed gardening in her flower and vegetable gardens. She loved flowers. She liked to read and do crossword puzzles. Evelyn also enjoyed sewing, crocheting, cooking and caring for her family. She was a big fan of the Pittsburgh Pirates.

Evelyn was a member of the Mentcle Wesleyan Methodist Church.

She is survived by her children: Patricia Benedict, Waldorf, MD and Dennis Szalma & wife, Barbara, Pine Flats. She is survived by four grandchildren, including Denise Szalma, Cranberry Twp., and Bee Szalma, Pine Flats. There are four surviving great grandchildren, many nieces and nephews, and a sister, Helen Hagens, Westover.

In addition to her husband and parents, she was preceded in death by her son, Frank Szalma, Jr. and the following siblings: Peter, Matthew, John, Theodore and Margaret Lowpenski, and Irene Harvilla, Mary Leis, Catherine Geppi and Anna Roberts.

Friends will be received Friday, June 14th from 2-4 and 7-9 PM at the Rairigh-Bence Funeral Home of Clymer. Her funeral service will be held Saturday morning at 11 AM at the funeral home. Revs. Roger Whippo and Richard Markel will officiate. Interment will be in the McDowell Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to: VNA-Hospice, 850 Hospital Rd. Suite 3000, Indiana, PA 15701, or to the Mentcle Wesleyan Methodist Church.

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