Prokopchak

Lydia C. Prokopchak, 89, of Butler passed away peacefully Monday, surrounded by her loving family at the home of her son.

Born in Butler on Aug. 23, 1923, she was the daughter of Pietro and Egle Paganelli Lavorini.

She married Michael J. “Porky” Prokopchak on Oct. 25, 1947. He died on Oct. 15, 1996.

Lydia was a proud 1941 graduate of Butler High School. During her lifetime, she worked at the Willard Hotel, the Spaide Shirt Factory, Daly Brothers Wholesalers and the Sugar Bowl Confectionery. After raising her family, she worked for Butler County, first as a switchboard operator at the county courthouse and later in the registrar and recorder’s office. She retired from the county in June 1990 after 27 years of dedicated service.

She was a member of the St. Paul Roman Catholic Church and was a former member of the St. Michael the Archangel Roman Catholic Church, where she was a member of the Altar Society. She also served as a Democratic Party committeewoman.

Lydia enjoyed cooking, baking, gardening and caring for her family. She appreciated and delighted in attending cultural events, especially operas and musicals.

Surviving are a son, Michael P. Prokopchak of Butler, with whom she made her home; her daughter, Marsha (Dick) McLafferty of Butler; and her two grandchildren, Brent McLafferty and Mark (Emma) McLafferty of Butler. In addition, she is survived by many nieces and nephews and her loving caregivers, Pam Meyers, Ann Hays, Lorraine Hutchison and Jackie Mackalica.

Lydia was the last surviving member of her siblings, having been preceded in death by five brothers and four sisters, as well as her parents and husband.

PROKOPCHAK — Friends of Lydia C. Prokopchak, who passed away Monday, Oct. 15, 2012, will be received in Martin Funeral Home, Inc., 429 Center Ave., Butler, from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. Thursday.

A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Friday at the St. Paul Roman Catholic Church. Burial will be in St. Michael’s Cemetery.

Members of St. Paul’s Catholic Women and Christian Mothers will meet at the church at 9:35 a.m. Friday to recite the rosary.

Information also is available at www.martinfh.net.