Medve

We are saddened to share that Marylee Medve, 88, a longtime resident of Slippery Rock, passed away on Wednesday, Dec. 27, 2023.

Marylee was the daughter of Harry and Leova Everett of Pittsburgh and the granddaughter of Pittsburgh area orchestra leader Charles Graffelder.

She met her husband, Richard Medve, in 1954 when both were attending California State Teachers College in Pennsylvania. After they graduated and married, they began their teaching careers in Willoughby, a suburb of Cleveland, Ohio.

However, Marylee soon decided to dedicate herself full time to her family, which was growing at a rapid pace: She gave birth to five children before the age of 30. She later went back to school at Slippery Rock University, where she earned a master's degree in education.

She loved being involved and active. She could never resist joining in whenever her children were playing basketball or building a snowman or canoeing, to name a few activities. Always creative, she could transform just about anything into eye-catching creations such as scenic gourds and popcorn bowls fashioned out of melted records. She also enjoyed traveling and was an avid card player and movie buff.

Marylee invented many dishes from the massive garden planted by her husband, a botany professor at Slippery Rock University for many years, and learned to prepare the wild plants he brought home into delicious dishes. They went on to cowrite Edible Wild Plants of Pennsylvania and Neighboring States, which remains a popular reference guide.

After her children grew up, Marylee was able to seriously pursue a passion that had begun on a swim team in high school. She became an active competitor in the Allegheny Mountain Valley YMCA/YWCA Masters Swimming Association.

She won many national and international medals and trophies, including recognition as the top swimmer for 1991 to 1992 in the Ironman competition for ages 55 and over. Yet, like a true swimmer, she always said her favorite prize was a bathing suit.

In addition, she was an active member of St. Peter's Catholic Church and served with the Christian Mothers for many years.

Surviving are her five children, Pam Polivka (Jim), Steve Medve (Min Hong), Ken Medve, Kathy McAuley (Mike) and David Medve (Angelica); three grandchildren, Brian and Tracey McAuley and Ian Medve; her brother, Harry Everett; and nieces, Lynn Hart and Sue Smith.

She was preceded in death by her husband in 2016.

MEDVE — Funeral services for Marylee Medve, who died Wednesday, Dec. 27, 2023, will be held at 1:30 p.m. this Saturday at St. Anthony Church, 232 Boyers Road, Harrisville, followed by a luncheon at the church.

If desired, the family suggests that memorial contributions be made to Sisters of St. Joseph, 1020 W. State St., Baden, PA 15005.

Please sign the guest book at www.butlereagle.com.