Nov 27, 2017

She had a generous heart and kindness for everyone. That’s how family and friends remember Sondra Joy Solomon Marche, 71, of Monongahela, who died Saturday, November 25, 2017.

She was born November 6, 1946, to the late George F. and Mary Namie Solomon, eldest of their seven children.

A 1964 graduate of Monongahela High School, she also earned a teaching degree from California State College, now known as California University of Pennsylvania.

Mrs. Marche taught elementary art and was a substitute teacher in Ringgold and other area school districts for many years.

She enjoyed painting, drawing, sewing, quilting, crafts and baking.

Mrs. Marche was a lifelong member of St. Michael Antiochian Orthodox Church in Monessen, until it closed in May.

She was a unique, giving person who often put the needs of others first. It was typical to find her cleaning a friend’s house, styling their hair, shopping for a home-bound person or taking food to someone in need. She saw the good in everyone – a quality that endeared her to many. Despite her own advancing illness, she served as a devoted caregiver to her ailing mother, Mary Solomon Acton, who died July 18, 2017. Her family will be forever grateful.

Surviving are her husband, Larry Marche of Monongahela; six siblings, Cynthia Solomon of Las Vegas, Nev., Michael (Victor Rottner) Solomon of New York City, N.Y., Thomas (Rosemary) Solomon of Lake Worth, Fla., David (Marilyn) Solomon of Forest Hills, George Solomon of Los Angeles, Calif., and Mary Kay Borowski of Monongahela; nephews and nieces Christopher (Macrina Xavier) Solomon, Michael (Greg Lutz) Solomon, Megan (Ryan) Phillips, Thomas Solomon, George Solomon and Rachel Borowski; and a great-niece, Elise Xavier-Solomon. She is also survived by her husband Larry’s sons, Larry (Linda) Marche Jr. and their children, Joe Backus and Natalie, Ben and Noel Marche, John Marche and David Marche, and many cousins and friends.

She was previously married to the late Dennis Berty.

Deceased, in addition to her parents, is her stepfather, Joseph F. Acton.

Friends will be received from 7 to 9 p.m. Wednesday and 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. Thursday in Frye Funeral Home Inc., 427 West Main Street, Monongahela, where Trisagion services will begin at 9:30 a.m. Friday, December 1. Services will follow at 10 a.m. in Nativity of the Virgin Mary Orthodox Church, 508 High Street, Monongahela, with the Rev. Fred Pfeil as celebrant. Interment will follow in Monongahela Cemetery. Trisagion services will be held at 7:30 p.m. Thursday in the funeral home.

Because of Mrs. Marche’s love for art, her family is establishing an arts scholarship in her name. In her final weeks of life, she was aware of her family’s intentions and was pleased Ringgold High School students will benefit from this opportunity. Contributions may be sent to the Solomon family in care of the funeral home.

Condolences may be expressed to the family at www.fryefuneralhome.com.