Marian S. Monios

She was preceded in death by her brothers: Steve (Betty), Stanley (Mary) and Dr. Samuel (Yvonne); and sisters, Margaret (Pete) Dzimiera and Regina (Joseph) Feryok.

Surviving are her loving children: Michele DeFrancisco (Dr. Lance) of Hollidaysburg, Michael Monios of West Newton and Marian “Meg” Clevenstine of Altoona; five cherished grandchildren: Carly Clevenstine Mazon (Dustin), Dr. Daniel DeFrancisco (Dr. Frances Adachi), Nyssa Clevenstine Watkin (Dr. Tegid), Dr. David DeFrancisco (Nicole) and Aaron Monios; and seven precious great-grandchildren: Luca, Zosha and Cora DeFrancisco, Aneira and Eleri Watkin, Francesco Adachi DeFrancisco and Maximus Mazon; and many loving cousins, nieces, and nephews.

Marian was a strong-willed woman from the start. She changed her birth name from Mary Anna to Marian in high school, secured a job at the local dress shop, Eisenberg’s, in Monessen at 16, did not tell her parents she was in the high school play, or that she secured a job at an insurance company in Pittsburgh. “A woman’s place was at home” her father told all the daughters, and so they could not go to college to further their educations.

She soon married and had three children in six years. When her youngest was six years old, Marian went back to work to help support her family. She had temporary jobs at Magura’s sewing factory and the Char-Mon-Don credit bureau, before getting a job as a clerk with the Pennsylvania State liquor stores. She wanted to be moving, not just sitting at work and wanted a male salary. She eventually became the first female manager of a store in Westmoreland County, believing that women should have equal rights and equal pay as a male.

Marian was employed by the Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board for 23 years, and she also was active in the union. While raising her children, she was active in the Eagles Aerie #2399, serving as treasurer for six years, and serving as Co-Chair in Westmoreland County for the American Cancer Society for two years. Ten years later, she was to develop colon cancer at age 45, and she was grateful and surprised that she lived as long as she did.

She enjoyed sewing (and always had a great sense of fashion), crocheting, ceramics, interior decorating, walking, swimming, exercising, flower gardening, traveling, yearly family trips to the beach, reading health articles, playing pinochle and wreath making. At age 58 she began to play golf, learning from her dear friend, Ward Huntley. She enjoyed playing at various courses in Westmoreland County.

After 61 years in Monessen, Marian moved to Hollidaysburg to be near her daughter and family. There, she joined the Park Hills Country Club, and then Sylvan Hills Ladies Golf League. She loved to play golf and enjoyed being outdoors. She was a good golfer and especially liked to give pointers to anyone who would ask. After moving to Hollidaysburg, Marian was employed by Kaufmann’s, Macy’s and J.C. Penney’s in the fine jewelry department. She loved helping people find the right jewelry piece. Marian volunteered at Garvey Manor for 20 years while faithfully and daily visiting her sister, Margaret, who was a resident there. She was a member of a local investment club for ten years, and that began another hobby of “dabbling” in the stock market.

Marian’s Catholic faith meant everything to her. She was a member of her family parish, Most Holy Name of Jesus Parish in Monessen, and she was an active member of the Christian Mothers and the choir. She tried to attend daily Mass whenever she could. After her move to Altoona in 1991, she became a member of St. John the Evangelist Parish in Lakemont. Marian was able to visit the shrines of Our Lady’s appearances in Lourdes, Fatima, and Guadeloupe during her lifetime.

Marian’s number one priority in life, besides her faith, was her family-both immediate and extended. She remembered every holiday and all birthdays. She lived a life of kindness and generosity toward all.

The family would like to extend their sincere gratitude to the dedicated staff of the 11th floor UPMC Altoona Hospital and the Lutheran Home in Hollidaysburg for their kind and compassionate care provided to our mother that brought her great comfort in her final months.

Friends and family will be received from 4 to 7 p.m. Friday, Feb. 27, 2026, at Myers-Somers Funeral Home Inc., 501 Sixth Ave., Altoona; and from 9:15 to 10:15 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 28, 2026, at the funeral home, where a vigil service for the deceased will be held on Friday.

A funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 28, 2026, at St. John the Evangelist Church, 309 Lotz Ave., Lakemont, Altoona, with Monsignor Michael Becker celebrant.

Committal rites will be held at 11 a.m. Monday, March 2, 2026, at Holy Name Cemetery, Monessen.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to St. John the Evangelist Church, 309 Lotz Ave., Altoona, PA 16602; or the Lutheran Home in Hollidaysburg.

myerssomersfuneralhome.com