Marie Olearsek

Marie (Devlin) Olearsek was born January 9, 1934, to Louis C. and Marie D. (Clarke).

Marie attended Charlestown Playhouse, St. Ann's Elementary and graduated from Phoenixville High School, class of 1951.  Ms. Olearsek completed a BS at St. Joseph's University and an MSS at Bryn Mawr College.  She also completed advanced studies in psychology at Temple University.  She served as a counselor at Catholic Social Services in Philadelphia, North Carolina, Connecticut and Lehigh and Northampton Counties with the Missionary Servants of the Blessed Trinity.  She later worked at Norristown State Hospital, Valley Forge Army Hospital, Coatesville VAMC and Delaware County Psychological Services.

Ms. Olearsek was a member of St. Ann Catholic Church for years, then of St. Basil the Great Catholic Church, where she served as a Eucharistic Minister and lector for 38 years.  She enjoyed visiting members of the parish in their homes and then at Spring Mill and Woodbridge assisted living, nursing and memory care areas.  She also enjoyed tutoring English as a second language.

Ms. Olearsek enjoyed traveling with her husband to the Orient, the Middle East, Europe, Africa, the Caribbean, and the U.S.A.  She participated in travel and other activities at the Senior Center and was also a member of the Senior Circle at Phoenixville Hospital.  She greatly enjoyed the constant support of friends and neighbors at Coldstream Crossing.  She was able to remain in her own home with the help of caregivers, Shirley Leszczynski, and husband, Steve Leszczynski.  She also received valuable help with chores from Courtney Farrell Russum.  She benefited from strong support from nieces Monica Watson, Mary Lou Hossler and others.

She is survived by eight nieces and nephews and several great nieces and nephews, as well as by her late husband's nieces and nephews, who were very supportive of her.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded by her beloved aunt, Anna M. Clarke, husband Andrew M. Olearsek, and brothers, Louis C., Jr. and Joseph A., Robert F., and William J. Devlin.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend her Funeral Mass in St. Basil the Great Catholic Church, 2340 Kimberton Road, Phoenixville, PA on Tuesday, February 1, 2022 at 11:00 am.

Burial will follow in St. Ann Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers contributions may be made to St. Basil the Great Catholic Church, 2340 Kimberton Road, Phoenixville, PA 19460 or Mass Cards.