Mrs. Olga Garan

Olga Garan, 99, of Weirton, died April 7, 2025, at Serra Manor. Olga was born December 17, 1925, in Weirton, daughter of the late Joseph and Anna Zdinak Molchan. She also was preceded in death by her husband of nearly 63 years, Michael, in February 2009; one sister, Ann Freeze; one brother, Joseph Paul Molchan; three infant sisters; one infant brother; daughter-in-law Tonia Garan; and son-in-law Larry Ritchie.

After graduating from Weir High School in 1943, Olga worked for two years in Weirton Steel’s tin mill and strip steel departments. She married Mike on March 2, 1946, and over the years became a caring wife, mother, grandmother and great- grandmother who loved taking care of her family. She also enjoyed cooking and baking, reading biographies, working puzzles, taking beach and Las Vegas vacations and spending time with her friends, neighbors, fellow parishioners and Serra Manor residents.

In June 1954, Olga and Mike moved into their first and only home on Fairview Street in Weirton where they cherished six decades spent with their beloved neighbors. Olga remained at her Fairview residence for seven more years after Mike’s death until moving in November 2016 into Serra Manor. There, she lived under the tender care of its assisted living and medical staffs with additional medical attention provided by Valley Hospice personnel.

Olga especially paid special attention to family members advancing their educations and careers plus attending outings such as sporting events, birthday parties, graduation ceremonies/parties and picnics. When failing health prohibited her from attending these events, she enjoyed the many stories related to her in person or over the telephone.

Olga was a lifelong member of Saint Mary’s Byzantine Catholic Church in Weirton and a member of the church’s Altar Society. She was the first child christened in the newly-built church in early 1926.

She is survived by her daughter, Michele Ritchie; her sons Michael (Nancy) Garan and Bob Garan, all of Weirton; her seven grandchildren, Susan Adams (Skyler Roth), Lauren (Brandon) Oktello, Kristin (J. Bryan) Edwards, Alex (Maria) and Mark (Meggan) Garan, and Rebecca and Joseph Garan; her eight great-grandchildren, Amelia and Alexis Adams, Alison Zima, Nathaniel and Joshua Edwards, and Evelyn, Elliana and Jaxson Garan; cousin Pauline Molchan; and many dear nieces, nephews and their families.

Visitation will be held Thursday, April 10, from 4 to 7:30 p.m. at Greco-Hertnick Funeral Home, 3219 Main Street, Weirton, with Parastas services to follow. Panachida (Blessing) Services will take place Friday, April 11, at 9:30 a.m. in the funeral home followed by Divine Liturgy with Christian Burial beginning at 10 a.m. at Saint Mary’s with Very Rev. Vasyl Symyon and Rev. Brian Norrell as celebrants. Interment at Saint Paul Cemetery.

Olga’s family thanks the staff at Serra Manor for the loving care, treatment and friendship she received during her 8½ years there; Father Symyon during his visits with her while he served at St. Mary’s; the Valley Hospice staff; and her personal care physician, Dr. Jasbir Makar.

In lieu of flowers and gifts, memorial contributions may be made to Saint Mary’s Byzantine Catholic Church, 3116 Elm Street, Weirton, WV 26062 or to Valley Hospice, 10686 State Route 150, Rayland, OH 43943.

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