Marion C. Saeli
Marion Claire Ramage-Saeli ,94, of Avella, PA died peacefully, Sunday, April 19th, 2020, surrounded by her immediate family, at the Donnell House Hospice following a brief illness.
Marion was born in Etna, PA, the daughter of the late Peter and Margaret Wagner Ramage, on October 19th, 1925. She was a graduate of Etna High School. During World War ll, she enrolled at St. Johns School of Nursing in the United States Cadet Nurse Corp. She graduated in 1946 and worked as a staff nurse and then Head Nurse on an Infectious Disease unit at Children’s Hospital in Pittsburgh, PA.
On September 1st, 1953, she married the late Thomas Joseph Saeli of California PA. Tom and Marion were married for 41 years, working side by side in their family owned restaurant, the Arlington Hotel in California, PA. In 1971, Marion earned a BSN and in 1974 a M. ed from California State Teachers College, Tom often called Marion “the best educated fry cook in the state.”
Surviving Marion are her Daughters, Lea Saeli-Columbus (Phillip) of Newport News Virginia, Margaret Saeli- Glick (Bruce) of Monroeville, PA and Mary Jo Saeli-Smith (Gary) of Avella PA. Marion had six grandchildren: Rocco Columbus, Megan Glick-Reck, Marilee Columbus-Schmid, Benjamin Glick, Thomas Smith, and Molly Smith, along with four great-grandchildren, Eli and Tessa Reck, Natalie Columbus, and Steven Schmid. She is survived by her brother Peter Ramage of Etna and sister Joanne Tomiczek of Lower Burrell, PA, along with many nieces and nephews.
In 2010, Marion moved to Avella, PA with her daughter, Mary Jo. She was a member of St Michael’s Roman Catholic Church in Avella. She spent her final years devoted to her 3 great loves; Her faith, her family, and the Pittsburgh Pirates.
Sadly, due to current state mandates regarding the COVID – 19 pandemic, there will be no public visitation. Service and interment will be private at the Mt. Calvary Cemetery, California, PA.
In her memory, contributions may be made to The American Parkinsons Disease Association.
0 thoughts on “Marion C. Saeli”
Our sincere condolences to your family. I remember your mother fondly, she was always so gracious and kind.
Laureen Szallay Passwater
A tribute to the grand Matriarch of my family we lovingly called the “Queen”, she was the classiest and funniest 94 year old anyone can know. My aunt Marion Ramage Saeli, my Dad’s oldest sister was such an amazing woman as she was a nurse trained during WWII. My fondest memories was going to visit her in California, PA and they owned the bar and hotel directly across the street. She would have each of us order our own pizza and listening to Uncle Tom’s detailed great funny stories and take on the news. We loved to visit them. I can’t wait to see everyone and celebrate her long life when this pandemic is over. Rest in Peace.