Obituary of Irene Maleck

Irene Mihalik Maleck, 93, of Tioga, PA, passed away at the Green Home in Wellsboro, PA, on September 13, 2013, just 18 days short of her 94th birthday. Born on September 30, 1919 in Budapest, Hungary, she was the daughter of Joseph and Anna Mihalik, and came to the United States as a child in 1922. She met and married her husband of 71 years, Walter Maleck, while chaperoning a skating party in their hometown, Philadelphia. In addition to working as a bookkeeper, Irene started and co-owned a floral business, Maleck's Flowers, fulfilled freelance orders on custom metalworking bids (taken on by Walt), and helped her sister in another family business, Bauer's Candies. The Malecks lived in Philadelphia until 1983, at which time they moved to Tioga to be closer to their daughter. In later years, Irene particularly enjoyed classical music which reminded her of her talents as a violinist in her youth, and providing for needy cats, a cause she had shared with her daughter, Martina Irene Johnson. Irene is preceded in death by both her husband, Walter Maleck and her daughter, Martina Johnson, both of Tioga, PA. She is survived by her sister, Anna Bauer of Clearwater, FL, niece Donna Knauth of Clearwater, FL, son-in-law, Ronald E. (Laurie) Johnson of Tioga, grandson, Ronald W. (Heidi) Johnson of Julian, PA, and her great-grandson, Kyle Gavin Frederick Johnson of University Park, State College, PA. Other surviving relatives include Isabel Schmidt of Philadelphia, PA, and Emila Szucs of Budapest, Hungary. Irene will be reunited with her husband Walter in the Tioga County Memorial Gardens Cemetery. A simple private service will occur at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting that donations be made to the SPCA, 11765 Route 6, Wellsboro, PA 16901. Buckheit Funeral Chapel and Crematory, 637 S. Main St., Mansfield, PA, is assisting the family. www.buckheitfcandcrematory.com