Obituary

Margaret ‘Marge’ McKeeta Gropp, 81, a longtime resident of Patterson Heights, passed away peacefully on Thursday, February 11, 2021 at Good Samaritan Hospice.  Born June 1, 1939, at the farmhouse in Bear Lake, PA, she was the daughter of the late John and Anna (Harbert) McKeeta.  Marge graduated from Corry High School in 1957 and went on to Grove City College earning her B.S. in Chemistry in 1961.  Marge spent many years as a stay-at-home mom as well as many professional years as a Chemist for Chester Engineers.  Following her retirement, she was proud to care for and raise two of her grandchildren.  She was a member of the Patterson Heights Volunteer Fire Department, for 25 years, then subsequently joined the Ladies Auxiliary.  Marge also enjoyed attending St. Monica Catholic Church.  She was a member of the former St. Mary’s Catholic Church where she served as a greeter.  She was also a member of «enská Jednota, First Catholic Slovak Ladies Association.  Marge enjoyed her time with her family and friends, spending time at the farm, staying up on current events, and watching a good movie.  She will be remembered for her sense of humor, patience, forgiving heart, and courageous soul.

She is survived by the father of her children, David Gropp; by her daughter, Jean (Michael) Puglia, two sons, John (Cheryl) Gropp, James Gropp and girlfriend, JoEllen; her grandchildren, Dylan (Amanda) Gropp, Sidney Gropp, Nathan Malichky, and Marcella and Angela Puglia; and her great-granddaughter, Violet Gropp.

The family would like to thank the many nurses, physician assistants, doctors, and caregivers at Heritage Valley and Good Samaritan Hospice for their compassionate care.  They would also like to thank the Neurology Department of UPMC for their specialized care of Parkinson’s Disease.  And finally, the family would like to give special thanks to caregivers Alice and Valerie.    

Friends will be received at the GABAUER-LUTTON FUNERAL HOME & CREMATION SERVICES, INC., 117 Blackhawk Road, Chippewa Twp., on Wednesday, February 17, 2021 from 2-4PM and 6-8PM.  A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at St. Monica Catholic Church on Thursday, February 18, 2021 at 10AM.  Interment will be in St. Elizabeth Cemetery, Corry, PA at a later date.  In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the Patterson Heights Volunteer Fire Department, 600 7th Avenue, Patterson Heights, Beaver Falls, PA 15010 or to a charity of your choice.