POLAND Esther “Estherina” M. Arena Turscak, 95 Esther passed away peacefully Sunday morning December 9, 2018 at The Inn at Poland Way with her family by her side. She was born June 16, 1923 in Philadelphia, Pa. to Joseph and Elisa Bonghi.
She graduated from Helen Fleischer High School in Philadelphia in 1941. Esther was a seamstress who assembled cashmere sweaters in the Philadelphia garment center. She was a wonderful homemaker who took pride in her home sewing many beautiful clothes, draperies and bedspreads for her family despite visual impairments.
Esther was so proud of her Italian heritage and made many delicious Italian meals, cakes and cookies. She also learned to make many excellent Croation meals upon her second marriage to John Turscak. She loved sharing food with family and friends.
Esther resided in Youngstown for 65 years upon her first marriage to Ralph Arena. She enjoyed gardening, crafts and Egyptian history. She enjoyed dancing at Idora Park, Avon Oaks, and Kuzman’s.
She made many beautiful gowns and dresses to attend these events. She also enjoyed traveling on bus trips with her daughter to the theatre and to various cities. She was a member of AARP 1418 in Struthers and the Holy Family Senior’s.
She leaves to cherish her memory, but also to celebrate her life, her daughter, Debra (Edward) Chop, with whom she had a special relationship and made her home with for four years. She leaves her sister, Betty Travaglia of Philadelphia; her nephews, Michael Bonghi, Anthony Pingelli and Jerry Travaglia, and a niece, Lisa Di Lodivico. Besides her parents, she was preceded in death by her first husband, Ralph P. Arena who died October 16, 1966; her second husband, John P. Turscak, who died July 3, 1993; two brothers, Michael and James Bonghi, and a sister, Josephine Pingelli.
A mass of Christian Burial will take place at 10:00 a.m. Wednesday December 12, 2018 at Holy Family Parish in Poland with Monsignor William Connell officiating. Friends may call Tuesday from 5-7:00 p.m. at the Cunningham-Becker Funeral Home in Poland. Interment will take place at Poland Riverside Cemetery.
The family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to the staff at Easter Seals Adult Day Care, Humility House, The Inn at Poland Way and Hospice of the Valley for their kindness, compassion, care and love. In lieu of flowers, material contributions may be made to Hospice of the Valley or to the Alzheimer’s Association. Visit www.
beckerobits.com to send condolences.
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