Verna R. Kondek

Verna R. Kondek, age 92, a resident at Elk Haven in St. Marys, formerly of Emporium passed away Tuesday (February 10, 2015) at UPMC-Hamot Medical Center in Erie after a short illness.

She was born on June 4, 1922 at Toby Valley, a daughter of the late Eric, Sr. and Charlotte (Lottie) McCool Gustafson. She was married to Gale Chapin, Sr. who was killed in action in World War II. 

Mrs. Kondek was an Emporium resident for over 70 years. Over her career, she worked for a number of former Emporium-area restaurants and clubs as a waitress or chef including The Coffee Shop, Warner Hotel, Dominico’s and VFW Club. In her later years, she ran her own catering business famous for her pies, stuffed pork chops and prime rib.

She was a member of the First United Methodist Church in Emporium. She was also a former president and officer of the American Legion Auxiliary and VFW Auxiliary in Emporium as well as a long-time Red Cross volunteer with the Cameron County Blood Mobile. She also chaired the Cameron County Fireworks Committee in years past.

Mrs. Kondek is survived by her daughter Fay Chapin (Greg) Geisea of Lakeport, CA and her son Gale W. Chapin of Ogden, UT; by five grandchildren: Bambi Kerner Wilde, Tina Kerner Pringle, Leslie Kerner (Keith) Mims, Stacey Kerner and James Chapin; six great-grandchildren: Misty Clark, Daniel Wilde, Raymond Estrada, Angelo Estrada, Juelyssa Calvillo and Caeleb Chapin; and 4 great-great grandchildren: Marissa Deschamps, Angelo Estrada, Jr., Aydenn Estrada, and Elaina Calvillo; a sister Helen Petruzzi of Mesa, AZ and a brother Robert (Addie) Gustafson of Emporium.

In addition to her parents and husband, Mrs. Kondek was predeceased by her long-time companion Bascom Bryant in 2010; three sisters: Ranetha Kunes, Thelma Cox and Beulah Metz; three brothers: Dalton Gustafson, Eric Gustafson, Jr, and William Gustafson; a child at birth in 1946 and a great-grand daughter Lisa Deschamps in 2002. 

Friends will be received Friday (February 13, 2015) from 4-7 PM at the Barnett Funeral Home, 207 E. 4th St., Emporium. 

Funeral services will be conducted Saturday (February 14, 2015) at 12:00 PM at the First United Methodist Church with the Rev. Joseph Short officiating. 

Interment will follow in Newton Cemetery, Emporium.

Memorials may be made to the First United Methodist Church in Emporium.