Dorothy M. Struchen

Dorothy M. Struchen, of Grove City, PA, formerly of Sharon, passed away at 10:10 am. on Sunday, May 22, 2016, in Orchard Manor Nursing Home, Grove City, after an extended illness. She was 94.
Dorothy was born in Dover, OH on March 19, 1922, the daughter of the late Gabriel and Suzanne (Barthelemy) Pernet and was later adopted and raised by Clarence and Cecile Barthelemy Grafe. She was a 1940 graduate of Sharpsville High School.
She was a member of St. Paul's United Church of Christ Hermitage, PA., where she had been an elder.
Dorothy fondly remembered working at several jobs throughout her lifetime including being a clerk at an area convenience store, working as a housekeeper for Dr. Leffingwell for several years, and as an LPN at the former Sharon General Hospital, where she also ran the Lobby Shop for a period of time and had also worked as a dental hygenist for Dr. Shellenberger,
In her earlier years, she was a member of the Sharpsville Womens Club, the Transfer Garden Club, and the former local chapter of the Rebekka Lodge, and Odd Fellows Lodge, and was a board member of Orchard Manor. She had been active with the Girl Scout organization for many years. Dorothy enjoyed playing cards, especially 500 Rummy.
She was the widow of William B. Struchen whom she married on Aug. 23, 1941. He died on May 4, 2008. She is survived by her two sons, Bill Struchen, and his wife, Janice, of Westfield, NY, and Ed Struchen, and his wife, Valerie, of Sharon, PA, a son-in-law, Frank Galardo, of Greensboro, NC, a sister Arlette Donato of Dover, OH, a brother, Dewey Grafe, and his wife, Sue, of Dover, OH, a sister-in-law, Helen Grafe, New Philadelphia, OH and an "adopted daughter", Charlotte Harkless, and her husband, Tom, of Fredonia, PA. She is also survived by 7 grandchildren, and 3 great grandchildren.
Besides her parents, she was preceded in death by her two daughters, Armande Horchler and her husband, Gil, and Katherine Galardo, her sisters, Betty Robson and Elizabeth Good, and her brothers, Charlie and Alcide Grafe.
Her family would like to express their thanks to the staff at Orchard Manor for their care and compassion given during Dorothy's time there.
Donations in her memory may be made to the Girl Scouts, 30 Isabella St., Suite 107, Pittsburgh, PA 15212 or to St. Paul's United Church of Christ, 159 Todd Ave., Hermitage, PA 16148.
A Gathering Time will be held on Saturday, May 28, 2016, from 9:30- 11:00 a.m. at St. Paul's United Church of Christ, Hermitage.
A Memorial Service at St. Paul's United Church of Christ, Hermitage, PA. at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, May 28th, with Rev. David Williamson officiating. Interment at Morefield Cemetery, Hermitage, PA.