Lena Marie (Sokoly) Gaydosh, age 94, of Clymer, received a Christian ending to her life on Friday, May 22, 2026, passing peacefully while surrounded by the family she loved so deeply.
Lena was born on June 7, 1931, in the rural countryside of Clymer, PA, to the late Frank and Elizabeth (Sabo) Sokoly.
After graduating from Clymer High School, she entered the workforce, spending her early working years at Sears and Roebuck. She married her beloved husband, John Gaydosh, and the couple lived in Cleveland, Ohio, before the pull of home brought them back to Clymer to help with the family farm. It was on the farm that Lena truly flourished, cultivating a lifelong love for gardening and baking. Lena’s kitchen was the heart of her home, and her hospitality knew no bounds—anyone who stopped by was immediately fed. If you were lucky enough to taste her legendary nut rolls or holupki, you knew you were tasting pure love. A masterful baker, Lena left behind a treasury of recipes handwritten in beautiful cursive. True to her sharp wit, she intentionally left out certain instructions, lightheartedly explaining, “Anyone that bakes knows you are supposed to do that.”
Lena was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, John Gaydosh; her sisters, Margaret Emmett and Elizabeth Dingus; and her brothers, Andrew, John, Frank, Lou, Steve, and William.
She is survived by a large and devoted family who will miss her dearly: Children: Tamara (John) Suwolitch, Kim (Bobby) McCombs, and her “son in heart,” Bob Macek. Grandchildren: Lori McCombs and partner, Adam Leach, Jeremy Suwolitch, Chelsea Suwolitch, and Reece McCombs. Great-Grandchildren: Dimitri and Annelise, as well as extended great-grandchildren Talyn, Deacon, and Maddy. Extended Family: Numerous nieces, nephews, neighbors, and friends.
Friends and family will be received on Tuesday, May 26, 2026, from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM at the McCabe-Roof Funeral Home (565 Franklin Street, Clymer). A Parastas service will be held at 6:30 PM. A funeral service will be celebrated on Wednesday, May 27, 2026, at 10:00 AM at Christ Our Savior Orthodox Church in Indiana, PA, with The Very Rev. Archpriest George Mitchell officiating. Interment will follow at St. Michael’s Cemetery in Clymer.
In Lieu of Flowers: Memorial contributions may be made in Lena’s honor to Christ Our Savior Orthodox Church.
Online condolences may be made at www.mccaberooffh.com.
