Marlene (Kraft) Elchik

Marlene Constance (Kraft) Elchik passed away peacefully on July 30, 2024.   She was born in Munhall, PA on December 20, 1931 to the late Edward Kraft and Levene (Barrett) Kraft. In addition to her parents, she is preceded in death by her brother Edward (Jean) Kraft III and sister Elaine (John) Toth (Kraft). 

After meeting on a blind date at Kennywood Park, she remained the ‘prettiest woman in the world’ and cherished wife of William A. Elchik for decades. Their nearly 70 years of marriage is a beautiful testament to enduring love and commitment, inspiring all who knew them and their unwavering devotion to each other.  

She was a loving ‘mom’ and mother-in-law to her devoted ten children and their spouses: Jane (Barry) Stape, Susan (Robert) Braun, Michael (Lisa) Elchik, Mary (David) Kliwinski, William (Lisa Marie) Elchik, Anne (William) Turkowski, Joseph (Loren) Elchik, Thomas (Mary Jo) Elchik, Richard (Greta) Elchik and James (Roberta) Elchik.

She was fondly known as “Nana” to all, but especially her 23 grandchildren Nick (Nikki), Joe (Anne), Katie (Tim), Bill (Danielle), Matthew, Jessie (Mike), Kelsey, Terra, Griffin, Rene (Mike), Leah, Abby, Kayla, Jared, Lydia, Mick, Ben, Anna, Alex, Christopher, Jack, David and Carson. 

Our “little” Nana was blessed with 8 great-grandchildren Sophia, Lincoln, Brody, Loretta, Michael, Reina, Rowan, Will, and many more who will feel her love for generations. 

She was also loved by many nieces and nephews.

Marlene’s life was a beautiful tapestry woven of unconditional love, boundless kindness, and enduring strength. Her home of 57 years in Murrysville was in constant motion with her children and dogs, filled with equal parts laughter and chaos (and she wouldn’t have had it any other way). Everyone who entered their home was welcomed as family, especially during her infamous Christmas Eve celebrations where there was always an abundance of food, laughter and fun. She was happiest walking with her neighbors, talking with her many friends, spoiling her dogs, spending time with her family and just simply being with the love of her life on her back porch.

Her generosity, compassion and resilience were always evident in every aspect of her life. She saw the good in every situation and brought out the best in those around her. Her legacy is one of a wonderful, well-lived and well-loved 92-year journey, that will live on through her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. 

We would especially like to thank her caregivers including Jen, the Heartland Hospice team and the entire, wonderful staff at St. Anne’s Home in Greensburg. 

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations in her memory be made to the Mother of Sorrows Outreach Ministries, 4202 Old William Penn Hwy, Murrysville, PA, 15668.

Nana’s life will be celebrated on Friday,  August 9, 2024. Family and friends will gather to honor her memory from 8:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. at Hart Funeral Home, Inc., 3103 Lillian Avenue, Murrysville. Parting prayers will be held at 10:30 a.m. at the funeral home. A Funeral Mass will be held at 11:00 a.m. at Mother of Sorrows Church, Murrysville. Interment will follow at Twin Valley Memorial Park, Delmont. For online condolences, please visit www.hartfuneralhomeinc.com. 

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