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Doris Jean Bond DeLost

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Doris Jean Bond DeLost, 87, of Strabane, passed away Friday, February 15, 2013, in her home with her loving family by her side.

She was born April 30, 1925, in Kelso-Longview, Wash., a daughter of the late John Henry and Mollie Donas Rhome Bond.

Mrs. DeLost moved to Washington County in her early teens and graduated from Canonsburg High School in 1944.

On June 3, 1946, in Canonsburg United Presbyterian Church, she married the love of her life, Tony Joseph DeLost, who survives.

She was an eternal optimist, with a great love of life. She always found the silver lining in any situation and had a kind word and a smile for everyone. Throughout her life, she pursued opportunities to increase her knowledge and skills in many areas.

Her family came first and she was the devoted wife and mother of six children, Patty DeLost, Terri Buckholtz, Robert (Rusty) DeLost, Debora (James) Silvestros, Susan DeLost (Rich Gossard) and Janet (Mauro) DeFelice, all of whom survive. Also surviving are eight grandchildren, Mary Jane (Arturo) Monsivais, Ernie (Stacey) Pentland, Susan Pentland, James (Mary Lou) Silvestros, Tony Jacob DeLost, Christina Silvestros, Brian and Katie DeLost; seven great-grandchildren, Anne Marie Pentland, Marina Monsivais, Abigayle Pentland, Helena and Anika Monsivais, Isabella and Gabriella Silvestros; a stepbrother, Bruce (Terri) McElhaney; an uncle, Howard (Shirley) Rhome; and several in-laws, cousins, nieces and nephews.

Deceased, in addition to her parents, are her stepfather, Albert McElhany; son-in-law, David Buckholtz; and three sisters, Juanita Bond Campbell, Donna McElhaney Wise and Barbara McElhaney Lynn.

Mrs. DeLost enjoyed yearly family vacations and frequent family excursions where she led family walks along beaches, forests and fields, collecting bits of nature’s bounty along the way. She was an avid and excellent Scrabble player, who enjoyed bowling and playing cards. She had many artistic talents, some of which bloomed along with her well tended and bountiful flower gardens. Passersby would often remark on the beauty of her flowers. In addition to her extensive cooking and baking talents, she excelled in the soft arts of sewing, embroidery, cross-stitch, crocheting and knitting. She made many blankets and afghans for family members.

Mrs. DeLost decided to take classes in painting in her early 60s joining the McMurray Art League and the Bethel Artists’ Guild to broaden her skills. Her paintings were displayed at several Art League shows and in their publications. Her family continues to enjoy them.

She was a member of Chartiers Chapter 97 of the Order of the Eastern Star, Jefferson College Historical Society and Jefferson Lanes Bouquets bowling league. She was a 58 year member of the SNPJ Lodge 138 of Strabane, where she served as youth director for one year and the Croatian Fraternal Union, Cokeburg Lodge 354. She had been a Girl Scout and Brownie troop leader in Strabane for many years.

In the late 1970s, Mrs. DeLost was a founding member and secretary of the United Citizens Against Radiation Exposure. This group was formed in response to the federal government’s interest in the cleanup of radioactive materials at the former Vitro plant rare metals plant site in Canonsburg. As part of her environmental activism during the Vitro studies, she was interviewed by a Pittsburgh television station and was featured in a special program on the subject.

Prior to her marriage, she worked as the assistant manager at Isaly’s ice-cream shop and deli and was employed in several retail sales jobs.

Mrs. DeLost left this world a better place to all who knew her. She will be greatly missed by her family and friends.

Friends are welcome from 2 to 8 p.m. Sunday and noon to 1 p.m. Monday, February 18, in Salandra Funeral Service Inc., Joseph P. Salandra, owner/supervisor, 304 West Pike Street, Canonsburg, 724-745-8120, where services will be held at 1 p.m. with the Rev. George L. Livanos, pastor of All Saints Greek Orthodox Church officiating. Interment will follow in Oak Spring Cemetery. The family suggests memorial contributions to Frank Sarris Library or the Chartiers Houston Community Library. To view of extend condolences, please visit www.salandrafunerals.com.

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