Obituary of Marion C. Blessner

Marion Blessner, formerly from Dallas, Pennsylvania, passed away February 19, 2023 in her apartment in State College, Pennsylvania. Marion lived a happy, healthy, 82 years until finally succumbing to pancreatic cancer in the last few weeks of her life.

Marion was the daughter of the late Joseph and Rose Fedash Lipka. She was born and raised in Wilkes Barre, Pennsylvania where she grew up with her two sisters surrounded by cousins, family, and friends. She graduated from G.A.R high school in 1958.

She met her husband Daniel Blessner at a "sock hop" and they married on June 3, 1961. Daniel's military career relocated them briefly to Georgia as well as other southern states, but they primarily raised their three boys in Dallas, PA in the house they built together near an apple orchard in the country.

Marion would attribute her health and happiness to frequent hikes with friends, travel, and the love of her grandchildren, to whom she was known as "Amma".

Marion worked at Nesbitt Hospital in the medical records office until retiring in 2002. After her retirement, she discovered her love of travel. Her travels across the United States and Europe had a big impact on Marion, and her family always enjoyed hearing stories and viewing pictures from her travels.

Marion truly loved to be active and social and spent much of her time volunteering and participating in group activities. She volunteered at Dallas Elementary School as a reading aide and sang with a group of friends called "The Happy Time Singers" at local retirement homes. She joined a hiking group and went for frequent walks and on bus trips with friends. More than anything, Marion loved her grandchildren. She frequently hosted sleep overs, took them on day trips, and was always available for a round of Phase 10, Uno, or to go out for quesadillas. Her grandchildren will never forget all the times they spent making Polish specialties like nut rolls and perogies from scratch.

Marion was predeceased by her husband, Daniel Blessner in 1990. She is survived by her three boys: Daniel Blessner, of Dallas, PA; Brian Blessner of Orlando, FL, and Eric Blessner and his wife Celeste of State College. She leaves behind her beloved grandchildren: Emily, Audrey, Danielle, Brandon, Alison, Jack and Lucy. She is also survived by her sisters, Barbara Brannigan of Wilkes Barre, and Linda Meader and her husband, Jeff, of Copperopolis, CA. She also leaves many other family members and dear friends who will sadly miss her.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Reading is Fundamental at RIF.org

A memorial will be held at 11 AM on  March 18, 2023 at Mt Olivet Cemetery in Carverton, Pennsylvania.

Arrangements are under the care of Koch Funeral Home. Online condolences may be entered at www.kochfuneralhome.com or visit us on Facebook.