Obituary of Merida Maria Orlandi

Smethport - Merida Maria Orlandi, 88, of Smethport, died Wednesday (February 9, 2011) in the Sena Kean Manor, Smethport. She was born July 19, 1922 in Mayaguez, Puerto Rico, Merida Maria Figueroa. She was raised by her sister, Gertrude Torres. Mrs. Orlandi was employed by the United States War Department in Puerto Rico. She worked as a telephone operator with the military signal office for 5 years prior to her marriage. She met Mark Orlandi when he served in the U.S. Army in Puerto Rico prior to WWII. After WWII, she resigned her position and traveled to Smethport, PA, where she and Mark were united in marriage on July 24, 1945, in St. Elizabeth Catholic Church, Smethport, PA. Father Urban Barrett performed the ceremony. She was extremely devoted to her husband Mark. She was a member of St. Elizabeth of Hungary Church, Smethport and the American Legion Auxiliary; Post #138 of Smethport. She is survived by two sons: R. Joseph Orlandi of Smethport, PA and Roger S. Orlandi of Sayre, PA, 6 Grandchildren, 5 Great Grandchildren, and several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Mark on March 29, 1999, four sisters, and two brothers. Visitation will be held on Sunday from 5-8 pm at Hartle-Tarbox Funeral Homes, Inc., 2 Bank St., Smethport, PA. A Mass of Christian Burial will be said at 10 A.M. Monday, in St. Elizabeth Church, Smethport, with the Rev. Charles Schmitt as Celebrant. Burial will be in St. Elizabeth Cemetery, Smethport. A Christian Wake service will be conducted in the funeral home Sunday at 7:30 P.M. Memorials in Merida's name may be made to Saint Elizabeth of Hungary Church, 307 Franklin St., Smethport, PA 16749 or the American Legion Auxiliary; Post #138 of Smethport. Online condolences can be made at www.hartle-tarboxfuneralhomes.com. Arrangements are under the direction of the Hartle-Tarbox Funeral Homes, Inc., Smethport.