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MIDDLETOWN -- Margaret "Marge" Dickey Petty passed away peacefully Saturday, Aug. 29, 2026, surrounded by her loving family, in Cincinnati.
Born on Sept. 17, 1933, in Warren, to Charles and Florence Dickey, she was raised on the family farm in Newton Falls, and later moved to Warren, to start a family.
Marge lived a life full of love, service and dedication to both her family and community.
Marge was predeceased by her beloved husband, Michael G. Petty, whom she married on Sept. 19, 1963, at St. John the Baptist Orthodox Church in Warren. Together, they built a warm home filled with love and laughter, and their marriage was a testament to their shared values and faith. Marge was also preceded in death by her parents, Florence and Charles Dickey; her sisters, Mildred (Charles) Kozup, Katherine (John) Apger, Mary (John) Dudick, Anne (Edward) Chopko, and Helen Dickey; and her brothers, William (Angela) Dickey, Peter Dickey and John Dickey.
Marge is survived by her loving son, Andrew Petty of Middletown; and her cherished grandchildren, Alexander Petty and Rebecca Petty. She is also survived by her sister, Pauline Dickey of Columbus; nephews, Peter (Kathleen) Kozup, Edward (Diane) Chopko, Charles (Daverly) Kozup and Joseph (the late Rosemary) Kozup; and niece, Alice (Kenneth) Pawlak. She is also survived by her godchildren, Rachel Csernik, Annette Moy and Art, and Connie Cogar, and their families.
Marge graduated from Newton Falls High School in 1951 and pursued secretarial studies at Youngstown Business College. Her career began at Eddie's Diner in Newton Falls, followed by a position at the Ravenna Arsenal during the Korean War. She later worked as an assembler at Packard Electric until the birth of her son in 1967, when she dedicated herself to homemaking. After Mike's passing in 1992, Marge served as a foster housemother with the Trumbull County Children's Services Board, imparting her kindness to countless children.
The Petty family welcomed many foster children into their home during Andrew's childhood, including Kenny and Shelly Lawrence, Kimberly and Amy Pipenur, and Rodney Kohn. Marge and Mike's dedication to foster parenting was recognized twice when they were honored as Foster Parents of the Year by the Trumbull County Children Services Board. Marge continued volunteering for many years, contributing significantly to the St. John's Sisterhood, her church, the Holy Trinity Christian Academy of Warren, and various other community organizations.
A lifelong member of St. John the Baptist Orthodox Church in Warren, Marge later attended Christ the Saviour Orthodox Church in Cincinnati with her son. She was deeply involved in church activities, from teaching church school to organizing and running the church bookstore to establishing an annual Icon Festival. She was a vital member of St. John's Sisterhood, organizing fundraisers by making pierogies and pastries and working into her 80s at fish fries. She also aided her dear friend, the late Angie Meterko, in establishing a men's shelter and charity St. Herman's House in Newton Falls. Her love for her faith was evident in every endeavor she undertook and has been passed down to her son, family members and the many cherished friends we've prayed for, celebrated and comforted through the years.
Marge's service to the Warren and Newton Falls communities was extensive. She was a member of the Warren Elks Lodge #295 Ladies Auxiliary, an avid golfer, bowler and bridge player, and a supporter of local music and theater. Her love for Russian and Slovak folk and polka music and liturgical music and folk dancing enriched her family's Slovak cultural heritage. She was a member of the Weeds to Roses Garden Club, Welcome Wagon and local bridge groups. She also volunteered with the Elks Swim Club, YWCA, and Howland High School, helping her son and foster children in sports, band and the community. Marge's legacy extends to her involvement with the Fellowship of Orthodox Christians in America, where she helped organize state and national events. Her summers at St. Vladimir's Orthodox Camp in Mecca, Ohio, were filled with joy as she served as a cook, handyman and counselor.
The Petty family extends heartfelt gratitude to the staff and nurses of Chesterwood Village Chelsea Place and Shepherd of the Valley, Howland, whose compassion brought comfort and joy to Marge's final years. Our family cherished all our family and friends, especially Fr. Jonathan Cholcher, Sam Acuri, Tammy Roscoe, Deborah Belonik, the late June Bagby, Carol Bobosh and family members, Peter and Kathleen Kozup, Ed, Diane and Scott Chopko, and Peta and Shawn Denno, who helped Mom live independently at her home in Warren, and aided her throughout her later years.
A Panikhida service took place Tuesday, Sept. 1, 2026, at Christ the Saviour/Holy Spirit Orthodox Church, Norwood.
Calling hours will be from 6 to 8 p.m., with a Panikhida service to follow on Thursday, Sept. 3, 2026, at the Staton-Borowski Funeral Home, 962 North Road NE, Warren, OH 44483.
Her funeral and burial service will begin at 11 a.m. Friday, Sept. 4, 2026, with viewing hours prior to the service, at 10 a.m. at St. John the Baptist Orthodox Church, 2220 Reeves Road, Warren, OH 44483.
Burial will follow in Pineview Cemetery.
In honor of Marge's life and her commitment to Orthodox and community youth, donations can be made to St. Vladimir's Orthodox Camp through https://stvladscamp.betterworld.org/donate.
Marge's unwavering faith, boundless generosity, and unyielding love for her family and community leave an indelible mark on all who knew her. She will be deeply missed and fondly remembered.
Local arrangements were entrusted to Staton-Borowski Funeral Home, 962 North Road NE, Warren, OH 44483, 330-394-6200. Dedicated to serving your loved ones. This obituary may be viewed, and condolences sent to www.statonborowskifuneralhome.com.
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