Ruth L. Houseman; 83; of Belle Vernon; passed away on Saturday; May 18; 2013; surrounded by her family. A daughter of the late Charles and Alice Owens Abbott; she was born in Fayette City on April 7; 1930. Ruth was a social member of the Belle Vernon American Legion; Ladies Bocce Leagues; and a past member of bowling leagues at Lynnwood Lanes; where she had bowled many 300 games. She enjoyed being out with people. Ruth was employed as a pizza maker in the bakery until 1992. Survivors include one son; Clyde Rudy Houseman of San Diego; Calif.; two daughters and sons-in-law; Ginger and Dean Stefanides of Bethany Beach; Del.; and Robin and Charles Sztroin of Belle Vernon; five grandchildren; Lisa and Robert Sloan of Montclair; Va.; Maggi Stefanides of Centerville; Va.; Rashelle Houseman of San Francisco; Calif.; Stephanie Houseman of San Diego; Calif.; and Chaz R. Sztroin of Belle Vernon; and three great-grandchildren; Hayden Thomas of Centerville; Va.; Riley O’Buck of Montclair; Va.; and Carley Huber of Centerville; Va. In addition to her parents; she was preceded in death by her husband; Clyde C. Bud Houseman on March 24; 1985. Friends will be received 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. Monday in the FERGUSON FUNERAL HOME AND CREMATORY; INC.; 724-929-5300; 700 Broad Avenue; Belle Vernon; http://www.FergusonFuneralHomeAndCrematory.com. Funeral services will be in the funeral home at 10 a.m. Tuesday with the Rev. Ken Jones officiating. Interment will follow in Belle Vernon Cemetery.
FAITH VIVIENCLIFFORD WASICEK
Faith Vivien (Clifford) Wasicek; 99; of Susquehanna Twp.; Harrisburg; PA; passed away on Friday; April 4; 2014; surrounded by family; at Country Meadows of Mechanicsburg;
Born in Oneida; NY on January 10; 1915; she was the daughter of the late Ardie and MaBelle (Johnson) Clifford. Faith’s father nicknamed her “Sunshine” —and she spread happiness and good will all her life. She graduated from the Springfield; MA School of Commerce in 1932 and went to work at first for the Administration Office at Colgate University. There she met and married Charles J. Wasicek; an All- American football player; coach; and teacher. She enjoyed studying philosophy and religion on her own; and blossomed into an artist in her 40’s. Faith worked in oils and acrylics; painting a wide variety of subjects. Her trip to India with the League of Women Voters left her with a life-long appreciation of the beauties and literature of India and resulted in favorite paintings of the Taj Mahal.
In 1980 Faith studied for and passed her FAA pilot’s test; gleefully flying over the farmland in Madison; New York; where she and her husband had a summer cabin. She loved to travel; going to Europe; Alaska; Hawaii; and New Orleans.
She published six volumes of poetry and short stories; including “Celebrations (1996); “Stepping Stones” (2002); “Are We There Yet?” (2002); A Timely Watch (2006); ”Now and Then; Here and There” (2008);”Carousel Pony” (2010); and “The Heritage”(2011). Her stories and poems speak of young and old love; parenting; loss; and our place in the world.
She enjoyed assembling her extended family and friends for annual Fourth of July reunions; and helping to raise her young grandsons. She moved to Harrisburg in 1987. She was a member of the Art Association of Harrisburg.
She is predeceased by her husband Charles J. Wasicek and her siblings; Ruth; Gladys; and Philip.
Surviving are a son; Charles A. Wasicek (Constance) of Watertown; N.Y.; a daughter; Justina M. Wasicek (Thomas Y. Au) of Harrisburg; three grandsons; Thomas H. Au; Andrew C. Wasicek (Hillary); and Philip J. Wasicek (Leana); and a great-granddaughter; Emma.
Visitation will be held at 5:00 PM on Thursday April 10 at Parthemore Funeral Home and Cremation Services; New Cumberland; immediately followed by a memorial service at 6 p.m. Burial will be in Belle Vernon Cemetery; Belle Vernon.
In lieu of flowers; memorial contributions may be made to Country Meadows Co-Workers Foundation; 830 Cherry Drive; Hershey; PA 17033. For more information or to send messages of condolence; please visit: www.Parthemore.com.
