Jean Marie Antonette Smolich, 72 of Indiana, formerly of Penn Run, died Wednesday, April 23, 2025 at Forbes Hospital, Monroeville. Born April 19, 1953 in New York City, she was the daughter of the late Mary and Chris Smolich.
In October of 1953 she was Christened Jean Marie Smolich and later took the confirmation name Antonette. She lived most of her life in Penn Run.
In addition to her parents preceding her in death, she was preceded in death by Aunt Antonette Tomazine and special friends from Pittsburgh.
In December of 1971, Jean began her career at Indiana University of Pennsylvania working in Accounts Receivables. During that time, she volunteered at the Mental Hospital as the corresponding secretary and did investigative work. In January of 1978 she moved into the Payroll Department at IUP where she became the expert of the leave and overtime programs at the University. It was Jean, whom most people would seek out to assist them with these programs and the AFSCME Bargaining Agreement. She retired from IUP January 12,2004.
She was a parishioner of the Church of the Resurrection in Heilwood where she was a lector and had served on the following committees: Evangelization, Parish Council and Decorating committee. She was also a church counter for the offertory collections.
In 1985, Jean made a Cursillo movement and became treasurer and the bishop’s liaison for the Cursillo organization. In 1993 she became a Secular Discalced Carmelite with the Community of Jesus, Mary and Joseph in Latrobe, PA. She made promises of chastity, obedience and poverty. She took the name Margaret Therese of the Sacred Heart of Jesus.
Jean always had a ready smile and hoped she gave spiritual joy to everyone. On March 1, 2004, Jean made Scenery Hill her home and will be forever grateful for those who loved and cared for her as family.
At Scenery Hill, she was instrumental in leading the rosary, reading the scriptures as well as enjoying various other activities held at the home.
Visitation is Tuesday morning, April 29th from 11:00 AM until Noon at the Church of the Resurrection in Heilwood. A mass of Christian burial will be celebrated at Noon. Rev. James B. Morley, celebrant. Burial will follow at St. Patrick Cemetery at Camerons Bottom. The Rairigh-Bence Funeral Home & Crematory of Clymer is assisting with Jean’s service arrangements. Online condolences may be made by visiting rbfh.net .
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Rairigh-Bence Funeral Home & Crematory to help cover Jean’s funeral expenses. Send to 655 Franklin St., Clymer, PA 15728.
