Lydia (DeSantis) Olshevski

Lydia (DeSantis) Olshevski, age 84, of North East, Pennsylvania passed away on Thursday, August 3, 2023 at home, surrounded by her family. Born on October 5, 1938 in Bessemer, Pennsylvania, she was the daughter of Italian immigrants — the late Michael and Pasqualina (Mastrobernadino) DeSantis.

She graduated from Mohawk High School and studied at the University of Valley Forge.

As a young adult, Lydia worked as a secretary at Air Products & Chemicals in Allentown, Pennsylvania, and more recently spent 15 years working in Accounts Receivable at The Electric Materials Company, North East, Pennsylvania. Lydia loved the Lord and served in ministry with her husband, Rev. Gerald Olshevski, since their marriage on May 20, 1961. Lydia and Gerald were a team — they served as missionaries in Botswana for 15 years. Lydia taught Sunday School, as well as college students at the Assembly Bible College in Gaborone, Botswana. While living in Gaborone, Lydia earned a reputation as a welcoming host of people from across the globe, making delicious meals that fed more than the dining room could hold, and finding ways to squeeze as many beds as possible into their home for overnight guests.

In 1984 Lydia and Gerald worked side-by-side in co-founding Orchard Beach Assembly church (formerly known as Assembly of God of North East). She was an outstanding pianist, piano teacher, and choir director. Lydia was devoted to and loved her work with children in Sunday School as well as her involvement in girls and women’s ministries. She also volunteered at the International Institute of Erie, supporting their work of teaching English as a Second Language to recent refugees and immigrants. In 2008 Lydia was selected as an honoree of Women Making History by the Sisters of Mercy Center for Women in Erie.

Lydia was a woman of strong character who loved her husband, children and grandchildren deeply. She was most happy when surrounded by them. Lydia dedicated her life to caring for others, being in service to the community wherever she lived, and creating a home that was welcoming to all. She loved to laugh, had a keen sense of humor, and a cheerful and positive demeanor.

Lydia is survived by her husband of 62 years, Pastor Gerald Olshevski, son Scott (Juliet) Olshevski, daughter Jodi (Mark Lazenby) Olshevski, grandchildren Ethan Lazenby, Jordan (Emily) Olshevski, Emma Olshevski, Ruby Olshevski, and brother James (Beverly) DeSantis.

Friends may call at the Orchard Beach Assembly Church on Wednesday, August 9 at 10:00 a.m. until time of a funeral service at 11:00 a.m. Interment will be held at North East Cemetery following the funeral service. The service will be live-streamed at https://youtube.com/@orchardbeachassembly4426. Comments and memories may be left at www.elkinfh.com.

The family is grateful for the care and safe passage that North East Hospice provided — memorials may be made to the Community Nursing Services of North East Hospice, 7 Park Street, North East, PA 16428 (www.northeastnurses.com) or Orchard Beach Assembly church, 2025 Orchard Beach Road, North East, PA 16428 (www.orchardbeach.church).

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Lydia (DeSantis) Olshevski, please visit our floral store.