Margie S. Dechant

Margie Stewart Dechant, 75, of Corsica, passed away on October 20, 2015 at her home following a short illness. Born on April 6, 1940, in Kittanning; the daughter of the late Neil and Lois Mechling Hill. Margie met the love of her life, Richard Dechant, on April 19, 1985. They lived happily together for 17 years before marrying on April 19, 2002. She founded Stewart Laboratories in 1976, and it was the first coal laboratory in Pennsylvania certified as a woman- owned business. While Margie was managing Stewart Laboratories, for many years, she was also a member of the Private Industry Council. Her son, Lee Stewart, now owns and operates the business, which continues to be successful today. Margie’s employees, many of whom have been with the lab for decades and continue to work under Lee, were very important to her and were like her second family. Two of Margie’s favorite hobbies were antiquing and playing bridge. Her passion for antiques led her into her business of collecting and selling them, and she was a dealer in the Clarion Antique Mall for over 20 years. She loved to spend hours finding special items for her customers and friends. Bridge also became one of the most important aspects of Margie’s life. In recent years, she could often be found sitting at a back table in Michelle’s café playing and laughing with her friends. The game allowed her to meet some incredible people, who became some of her best friends. Another important part of Margie’s personal life were the many weekends that she and Richard spent going out to eat and socializing with good friends. Margie is survived by her loving husband, Richard, her loving son, Lee and his wife Pam of Strattanville, grandson, Anthony Stewart of Pittsburgh, a sister, Cindy Schill and husband Joe and their daughter Margie of Shippenville, Cindy’s son, Barry Lee and his wife Gretta and their three children of Snydersburg, One brother, Calvin and his daughters, Meredith Brill and husband Downey and Miranda Malarik and husband Shawn all of Pittsburgh, a step daughter, Kristi Gillung, a step great grandson, Calin Carberry both of Brookville, and a step grandson, Matt Moore of Curwensville, and her mother-in-law, Louise Dechant of Clarion. She was preceded in death by her parents, a sister-in-law, Mary Louise Hill, and her father-in-law, Raymond Dechant. Margie was joyed to have love, support, and devotion of her son Lee, her grandson, Anthony, her three nieces, Meredith, Miranda, and Margie, and her nephew, Barry Lee, who all held a special place in her heart. Family and friends were hugely important in her life. A special thank you to her daughter-in-law, Pam for all of the extra tender love and care. Family will receive friends from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 pm Friday, October 23, 2015 at the Robert V. Burns Funeral Home in Clarion and also from 10- 11 am Saturday in the Funeral Home with Funeral Services at 11 am with the Rev. Dr. David R. Skinner, friend of the family presiding. Interment will follow in the Clarion Cemetery. Memorials and donations can be made to Safe, P.O. Box 108, Clarion, PA 16214 or Clarion Forest VNA, 271 T-790, Clarion, PA 16214.

Margie S. Dechant

April 6, 1940 - October 20, 2015