Mary A. Chirdon
Mary A. Chirdon, of Canonsburg, died Thursday, June 3, 2021, at the age of 90. She was born January 2, 1931, in Cambria, a daughter of the late Joseph A. and Clara Long.
She is survived by five children, Marian Orihel of Ann Arbor, Mich., Janet Bargh of Harrisburg, David Chirdon of Canonsburg, Elizabeth Chirdon of Santa Fe, N.M., and Timothy Chirdon of Novi, Mich., along with their significant others, Robert Bargh, Joe Simonds and Fumiko Chirdon. Mary has many grandchildren, Leslie Orihel, Brian, Andrew (Samantha Moore) and Theresa Bargh, Stephanie (Jim) Hartle, and Sarena and Sawyer Chirdon; and two great-grandchildren, Lilee and Zyan Hartle.
She was preceded in death by eight siblings; a son-in-law, Vince Orihel; and a granddaughter, Alicia Orihel. Mary remained close to her remaining siblings, Stella Strittmatter, Jane Moore, Irma Penziwater and Norman Long; and many other family and friends.
Mary graduated from Mercy Hospital in Johnstown as a registered nurse. She began her career as a pediatric nurse in Johnstown, followed by a three-month position with the Red Cross working in a polio epidemic in Providence, R.I., where some of her patients were in iron lungs. After a long career with assignments in many areas, she ended her career as a geriatric nurse in Canonsburg.
A devoted member of St Patrick’s Roman Catholic Church in Canonsburg, Mary had long been active in the Catholic Daughters of America. She enjoyed travel, including nine trips overseas and travel to 30 states. She enjoyed the Canonsburg Senior Center, where she went frequently to see her friends and play cards and bingo. An avid Pittsburgh Pirates baseball fan to the very end, Mary was also passionate about dancing and theater.
Family and friends are welcome from 3 to 7 p.m. Sunday, June 6, in Sollon Funeral and Cremation Services, Ltd., 30 East College Street, Canonsburg, PA 15317, Phillip L. Sollon, supervisor, 724-746-1000.
Departing prayers will be held in the funeral home at 9:30 a.m. Monday, June 7, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10 a.m. in St. Patrick Church, Canonsburg. Burial is private.
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly suggests memorial contributions be made to the Nursing Foundation of Pennsylvania, www.thenfp.org, in Mary’s name.
Visit www.sollon.com to leave condolences.