Melba (Sternesky) Tokarcik

Melba Tokarcik 98, of Houtzdale and a guest of Colonial Court Yard, Tyrone, passed away Monday August 23, 2021.

Born January 25, 1923 in Houtzdale, she was the daughter of the late John and Mary (Jeffries) Sternesky.

Melba was a lifetime member of the First United Methodist Church, Houtzdale.

Melba enjoyed reading, knitting, crocheting, ceramics, and puzzles.

After graduating from Houtzdale High School in 1941 she went to work for Hyder's Department Store.  She later attended typing and accounting classes at Clearfield County Career and Technology Center.

On May 4, 1946 in Cumberland Maryland, she married George E. Tokarcik, who preceded her in death on May 13, 2000.

Together they owned and operated Tokarcik's Grocery store for 23 years and Houtzdale Wholesale Beverage Co. for five years.

Melba retired in 1981 from Charles Navasky Clothing Co. where she was employed as a bookkeeper.

Melba is survived by a daughter Debra Jean Deao and her husband Lawrence of Houtzdale, two grandsons;  Andrew L. Deao and his wife Lacey of McMurray, PA, Stephen G. Deao and his wife Kelly of Denver, CO, along with two great grandchildren, Cordelia Jean and Odessa Lou Deao.

Preceding her death were her parents, husband , twin infant sisters Elva and Ella Sternesky.

Service will be private and at the convenience of the family.

The family suggests in lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Melba's memory to The Arthritis Foundation, 790 Holiday Dr. #11, Pittsburgh, PA 15220 or the SPCA, 275 21st Street, Clearfield, PA 16830.

Arrangements are under the care of the Birger A Freeberg Funeral Home Inc., Houtzdale.

Online condolences may be made to the family at www.birgerafreebergfuneralhome.com.

To send flowers to the family, please visit our floral store.