Obituary of Avice Hope Chesla

Avice Hope Chesla

February 7, 1937 - February 6, 2025

Compassion and kindness flowed freely from the heart of Avice as she always was quick with a smile, had a hug for all, and offered an invitation to “Come Sit Awhile”.

Her creativity was apparent in the many types of crafts she mastered over the years: cake decorating, gardening, sewing, and ceramics to name a few.

Family was foremost with Avice and Carl, her husband of over 54 years. They chose to personally build their home by constructing it piece by piece from recycled nails, barn wood, and of course love, to become a part of the cherished family community known as Chesla Hill.

Anyone who ate one of her gobs or hot cross buns knows she was a terrific baker. Her nieces and nephews still talk about savoring her ham barbecues, melted cheese bread and pancakes.

She proudly accepted the responsibilities of homemaker and caregiver, a role she loved and one that made a huge impact on the lives of others.

Being an active member of Holy Family Roman Catholic parish was an integral part of her life for 67 years.

Avice was born in Ligonier and was the last surviving and longest living member of her birth family having been preceded in death by her husband Carl, parents Elmer and Bertha Critchfield, brothers Ford, (Nancy) Critchfield, Guy Critchfield, Scott (Eileen) Critchfield and sister Wanda (John) Cairns.

Left to cherish her memory: Daughters Janice (Robert) Blahut, Carla (William) Moore; Grandchildren: Nicholas (Christine) Moore, Samantha (Nicholas) Fabish, Jacob (Megan) Blahut, and Luke Blahut; Great Grandson: Jack Blahut

Sister-in-law Susan Critchfield, Brother-in-law Edward Chesla; along with a host of nieces, nephews and extended family.

In her last days on earth, she was asked what she was happy for. She replied simply that she was “happy for happiness”. If you would like to honor her memory, please consider taking a moment to reflect on her values and the positive impact she had on your life. Then, do an act of kindness, big or small, private or public, in her memory. Perhaps you could give a heartfelt hug to someone; smile and say hello to a stranger; reunite with someone you have been at odds with; carry out one of the “Works of Mercy”; give someone a sincere compliment; or simply spend a thankful moment in God’s nature.

Above all, be happy for happiness.

Friends received 4-8 PM Sunday at Kenneth A. Stuart Funeral Home, 139 Ligonier Street, New Florence.  Mass of Christian Burial 10 am Monday at Holy Family Catholic Church 425 Bridge St., Seward.  Rev. Fr. John Harrold officiating.  Interment Armagh Cemetery. 

Online condolences may be left at www.thestuartfuneralhomes.com