Thelma C. Klaniecki

Thelma C. Klaniecki passed away quietly early on Monday morning, August 24.  She was the beloved wife of the late Edwin M. Klaniecki, and mother of four devoted children: Karen L. Falkenberg (spouse: Robert Falkenberg), Charles E. Klaniecki (Jacqueline Reich), Carol A. DeAngelis (Barry DeAngelis), and Barbara L. Gongaware (Calvin Gongaware).

Thelma grew up in McDonald, PA, graduating with high honors in 1947 from McDonald High School. During senior year she won a scholarship from West Penn Power Company, which she used to cover a majority of her college expenses.   She matriculated at Grove City College later that year and then graduated in 1951 with a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry.  Upon graduation, her career as a chemist began at Pittsburgh Coke and Chemical, where she worked until 1957.

Thelma and Edwin married in September 1956, and their first child was born the following year. Their fourth and last child was born in 1962.  This allowed Thelma to rejoin the work force in 1964, at which point she commenced work as a research chemist for the University of Pittsburgh.  While employed at Pitt, she co-authored several research publications, such as “Modified Fluorometric Method for Determining Plasma Catecholamines” which helped advance the science of catecholamine measurement, and “Non-Pheochromocytoma”, which focused on the issue of false positives when diagnosing the presence of pheochromocytoma.

During the time that she and Ed spent raising their four children, she also volunteered for multiple civics organizations, such as:  the Oakleaf Elementary School PTA;  the Girl Scouts, where she served as a co-leader; the Cub Scouts, where she volunteered as Den Mother; and the Women’s Club, where she served as President.

Upon retirement from Pitt in 1994, Thelma performed volunteer work for the Ross Municipal Township.  She also remained active by engaging in travel and spending time “doting” on her eleven grandchildren: Brian Falkenberg, Katherine Falkenberg, Christopher Klaniecki, Kimberly Klaniecki, Paige Klaniecki, Matthew DeAngelis, Michael DeAngelis, Anna Gongaware, Grace Gongaware, Lily Gongaware, and Faith Gongaware.  For Thelma, these were a constant source of love and pride and happiness.

Since passing away on Monday, HNN (Heavenly News Network) has already reported that Thelma has met with St. Peter for her “onboarding” session and, for all eternity, is now with Ed, her pre-deceased and much beloved husband.

The family would like to extend a gracious thank you to Megan, Ginger and Kathy of the Murrysville Redstone staff for taking such sweet, loving care of our Mom in her final days.

A viewing is scheduled for Saturday, August 29 from 10 AM – 11 AM at Neely Funeral Home, 2208 Mt Royal Blvd, Glenshaw, PA 15116, (412) 486-4546

A Committal Service (for family only) takes place on Saturday, August 29, 11:15 AM at Allegheny County Memorial Park Cemetery [1600 Duncan Ave, McCandless, PA 15101, (412) 366-8296].

In lieu of funeral flowers, contributions in the memory of Thelma may be made to the American Stroke Association, PO Box 417005, Boston, MA, 02241-7005.  Alternatively, online memorial contributions can be made at: 

https://www2.heart.org/site/SPageNavigator/donatenow_legacy.html?s_src=20U2W1EEMM&sub_src=footer_memorial_gift

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