Margaret H. Lihvarchik

Margaret H. Lihvarchik, age 92, of Portage, passed away peacefully at home on June 21, 2018. This "coal miner's daughter" was born on June 1, 1926 in Colver, Pennsylvania to the late Joseph and Anna (Novak) Nemergut. On October 8, 1948, she married George N. Lihvarchik, who preceded her in death in 2003.

Mom could light up a room with her smile and personality. She inspired three children, eight grandchildren, and many others with her love, unfiltered candor, faith, and persistent "can do" manner. Her love of family was boundless.

One example of Mom's persistence and problem solving skills occurred a few years ago while she was at a nursing home recovering from a broken hip. The staff had opened her window during the day and forgot to close it at night. As it got colder, Mom repeatedly buzzed the nursing station. When the staff did not respond, Mom used her room phone to dial 911. With sirens blaring, the police came to the nursing home and closed Mom's window!

During her days at Ebensburg High School, Mom was the top salesperson in her class selling magazine subscriptions. She played the accordion and was an excellent seamstress and cook. While still in high school, her mother had an extended illness and as a teenager, she took on the role of raising her two younger brothers. This, no doubt, prepared her for her lifelong role as an amazing mother.

She is survived by her sons, Daniel G. (Felipa) Lihvarchik of Jupiter, FL; George R. (Susan) Livarchik of Valparaiso; daughter Barbara A. (Donald) Hiatt of Mesa, AZ; grandchildren Michelle and Michael Lihvarchik, Joseph (Kelley) Livarchik, Jeffrey (Casey Marie) Livarchik, Daniel (Amanda) Livarchik, Kimberley (Brandon) Olson, Leda (Nate) Gauthier, and Natalya Hiatt; brother Edward Nemergut, sister-in-law, Bobbi Nemergut; many loving nieces and nephews; very special friend and caregiver, Frenie.

Margaret was preceded in death by her parents, Joseph and Anna (Novak) Nemergut; her husband of 55 years George Lihvarchik; brothers, Joseph and Ralph Nemergut. Memorial contributions in Margaret's name may be made to St. Paul Catholic School, 1755 Harrison Blvd. Valparaiso, IN 46385.

Visitation for Margaret will take place Friday, June 29, 2018 from 4:00 pm until 8:00 pm at Rees Funeral Home, Olson Chapel, 5341 Central Ave., Portage. Mass of Christian Burial will be held Saturday, June 30, 2018 at 10:00 am at Nativity of Our Savior Catholic Church, 2949 Willowcreek Road, Portage with visitation there from 9:00 am until the time of service. She will be laid to rest at Calvary Cemetery in Portage immediately following the Mass. For more information, please call (219)762-3013. Online condolences may be shared with the family at www.reesfuneralhomes.com