Margaret Blehi

February 15, 2025

CHARLOTTE – Margaret (Hanak) Blehi, 92, Charlotte, died Saturday, February 15, 2025, at home peacefully.  Born June 24, 1932, in Johnstown PA, daughter of Michael and Anna (Balo) Hanak.

Margaret married a career military man and she embraced the military lifestyle.  She retired from Modern Woodmen Insurance Company.  Margaret enjoyed teaching citizenship at the JFK Special Warfare Center at Fort Bragg, NC.  She was proud of her Lemkos heritage and never met a stranger.  She lovingly welcomed everyone of every nationality.  Her thirst for knowledge was fueled by her love of reading.  She loved to sing and dance; even in her wheelchair.  At 92, with a twinkle in her eye she still got excited to see it snow.  A Steelers fan, she tried to never miss a game.  Committed to her Orthodox faith, she was blessed with a life filled with many angels here on earth. She was loved by many and will be missed. 

Margaret was a lifelong member of Christ the Saviour Orthodox Cathedral, the Cathedral parish of the American Carpatho-Russian Orthodox Diocese shepherded by His Eminence Metropolitan Gregory of Nyssa and Protopresbyter Robert Buczak.

Margaret is survived by her daughters, Patti (Blehi) Smith of Pittsboro, NC and Pauline Blehi of Charlotte, NC; beloved sister, Dorothy (Irene) Bayconish, of River Vale, NJ; sister-in-law, Mary (Mamie Chappie) Hanak of Johnstown PA; nieces, Joyce Hanak Rogina and Theresa (Maurizio) Pollochak of Johnstown, PA, Kathy Bayconish of River Vale NJ, Joann Hanak of Fort Myers, FL, Lori (Hanak) Smith and her husband, Michael of Oak Lawn, IL; nephews, Scott Hanak and Donald Hanak of Johnstown, PA, Jim Hanak and his wife, Janice Gellert of Gainesville, FL, David Hanak of Phoenix, AZ; and as well as other nieces and nephews. 

Preceded in death by her husband, William Blehi; her parents; brothers, John and his wife, Mary of Fort Myers, FL, Andy and his wife, Mary (Jelenic) of Chicago, IL; sisters, Anna Pollochak, Mary Hanak and Helen Jackman; nephews, Bobby Pollock and Michael Hanak; nieces, Barbara (Pollochak) Witprachtiger and Karen Bayconish and brothers and sisters-in-law, George, Joe, Bill and his wife, Alberta (Guizio) and Michael all of Johnstown PA.

Funeral services for Margaret will be held at 10:00 AM on Wednesday, February 26, 2025, at Christ the Saviour Orthodox Cathedral.  The family will receive friends beginning at 9:00 AM until the time of the service.  Interment will follow in the Cathedral cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be offered in memory of Margaret to Christ the Saviour Orthodox Cathedral, 300 Garfield Street, Johnstown, PA 15906.

May Her Memory Be Eternal. 

Arrangements are in the care of Kenneth W. Poe Funeral & Cremation Service, 1321 Berkeley Ave., Charlotte, NC 28204; (704) 641-7606 and Francis G. Ozog Funeral Home, 710 Broad Street, Johnstown, PA 15906.  Online condolences may be shared at www.kennethpoeservices.com or www.fgozogfuneralhome.com.

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Comments

  • Lisa Roby

    We were parishioners at St Nicholas in Fayetteville and knew Margie for years. We were able to get to know her pretty well because the church was so small. She would make delicious food and was like family to my husband and I as we were newly married and away from our own families. I am from PA had family in Johnstown so we bonded over that. One of my favorite memories is playing bingo after church with her and a few other members. I remember laughing so hard because the parishioner reading the numbers had such a thick accent no one could figure out what was called and they were laughing and bantering back and forth about it. We visited her at her home one weekend and we talked about football, the Steelers and Army/Navy. She was a special person and a joy to be around. We came back to visit once after a PCS to Kansas and she cried and we cried when we saw her. She was just so genuine and loving and I’m sorry we didn’t get back to see her again. May her memory be eternal.

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  • Gil& Amada Garcia

    Dismayed by your loss. A hug for you and the family

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  • Carol Lewis

    Pauline,
    My deepest condolences to you and your family.

    Carol Lewis

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  • Natalie Sussman Nela Sebinsky

    She was such wonderful person our deepest condolences to family and church community and friends

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  • Jim Hanak and Janet Gellert

    May she rest easy in the arms of the Lord. May her memory be a blessing forever.

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  • Ada and Carl Carr

    Our hearts are so sad to hear of dear Margie,s passing. Our deepest sympathy to Pattie and Pauline ans family. Margie you will always be in our hearts. We love you

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  • Dawn and Robert Pollutri

    Pauline
    We are so very sorry for you loss. I enjoyed every visit I had the chance with her, I will miss Miss. Margie

    Our deepest sympathy
    Rob and Daen

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  • Tina

    Pauline, My heart aches for you, because I know how close you were to mama. I pray for your comfort is the days to come. May the Lord wrap his arms around you. I'm here if you want to talk. My she rest in the arms of our Lord no more sick or pain. Love you, Tina

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  • Melody & Thomas Beck

    Brief pleasure of meeting Mrs Blehi, a beautiful lovely lady with a deep love for her gracious daughter/caretaker. Amazed at the devotion and blessed loyalty that Pauline & Margaret gave to one another. A true inspiration to us all.

    Prayers for the family continue *

    Love always~~
    Melody, Thomas, Clara Belle, Milly-Rue Beck

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  • Joan and Chris Seery

    Pauline- We pray for your mother and send our deepest sympathy to you and your entire family.

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