Thelma Popp

Popp, Thelma, “Ook” “Candy Lady” 90, Vinco, passed away on June 24, 2021 at home. Born May 18, 1931 in Franklin Boro. Daughter of the late Herman and Cecelia (Shuman) Knobloch. As the last remaining family member, she was preceded in death by her husband, Mike Popp, brothers Ernie (Ann) and infant Joseph and sisters Sue (John Chanonich), Medie (George Clagett), Grace (Harry Irwin) and Peg (John Zubak), very 1st nephew Barry Chanonich, and nephew and niece George and Vongale Claggett.  In the Popp family she was preceded in death by Mary (Toby) Fatula, Helen (Andy) Labosky, John (Irene) Popp, Charlie (Norma) Popp, Frank (Rose) Popp, and Steve (Brooks) Popp, nieces JoAnn Labosky and Donna Schellhammer, and nephew Ron Luther.  Survived by daughter, Mickie (Barry Cooper) and son Jim (Diane Dean). Also survived by many nieces and nephews. She was a graduate of Franklin High School, Class of 1949. Mom worked at Roxberry Dairy, Acme Stores and US Steel before staying at home to care for her children.  After working at Popp’s Food Market until Mike retired, she rented cars at the Johnstown Airport, worked in the fish department at Bilo in Ebensburg, and in the deli at Riverside in Vinco.  Later she devoted her time in caring for Mike.  She grew up as a parishioner of Sacred Heart in Conemaugh, walking the bridge from Franklin to Conemaugh. After moving to Vinco, she joined St. John Vianney Parish in Mundy’s Corner, and has been a parishioner since 1962. Mom always welcomed everyone to her home, and always had MORE than plenty of food to entertain.  She started making chocolate candy, and she is affectionately known as the “Candy Lady”. I bet you can still taste those meltaways, crunch, and cherries.  And she made Easter Baskets of chocolate so you could eat the candy and the basket.  Her 1# meltaway and coconut eggs were usually 1 ½# till she got them all coated.  She also had great faith.  She watched EWTN daily for Mass, the Rosary, the Stations, and the Divine Mercy Chaplet.  She even wrote to EWTN one time when the older gentleman in the front pew, who was a daily attender, didn’t show up anymore.  She was worried he was sick.  EWTN wrote back and told her had married and moved away.  Now, that’s a faithful follower!  Mom marched to the beat of her own drum.  In 2016 we found out Mom had lung cancer, which had spread to other organs.  Dr. Sbeitan looked at Mom on her first visit, relayed the grim news of the cancer, but looked at her again and said “You have spunk!”  Let’s try immunotherapy, and “Spunk” made it another 4 ½ years.  She was witty throughout all her health ordeals. We’d like to thank the nurses at Windber Hospice, Val and Lisa at Nealen Personal Care, Brit and Linda at Mainline Pharmacy, Dr. Ibrahim Sbeitan, Claudine, and Dr. Jean Marie Koh for taking such good care of Mom.  We’d also like to thank the Cooper, Dean, Rodkey, and Amenti families for making her a part of their family in all their gatherings, because she so enjoyed and loved family gatherings.

Friends will be received 2-8 pm Monday at Baker- Harris Funeral Chapel, 229-231 First Street, in Conemaugh, where vigil for the deceased will be held.  Funeral Mass will be held at 10:00 am Tuesday at St. John Vianney with Father Peter Lyons as celebrant.  Committal, Sacred Heart Cemetery.  Our wish for you is – if your Mom is still with you, give her a hug and tell her you love her. (Online condolences may be posted to www.wharrisfuneralhome.com)