Amazing Amelia

Since the Fairmont Times blocks non-subscribers from reading its content online, even the obituaries that are NOT the Times’ intellectual property, Adam Michna sent me the above copy of the Times story about Amelia Shenasky Zentz.

Amelia is as famous in Monongah as Amelia Earhart was to the world with her solo flights into history and death.

I remember Amelia as this vivacious blonde behind the counter of her parents’ P.P. Shenasky Grocery during my childhood.

I phoned Amelia a few years ago at her Shenasky Lane (what else?) home where she grew up and still lives at the age of 96.

Her voice still sparkles. Amelia golfed, bowled and danced. Oh, how she danced! Good enough to be invited to New York City to perform.

The Al Williamson mentioned in the Times article, who helps Amelia with groceries, once delivered groceries for the Shenasky store. His home is next to Amelia’s. It’s the house Carrie Shenasky lived in; after her death, Al moved into the house.

Last time I checked, Al was in the produce department at the Shop & Save Store in Shinnston.

Al’s parents were Ruth and Doug Williamson. His sister, Kathy, is Class of 1978; his brother, Johnny Williamson, worked at Meffe’s bar on Jackson Street. Doug Williamson worked for years at Alasky’s in Farmington.

Margaret Salabor used to help Amelia out. Now her helpers, for the last three years, are Casey Cunningham and Casey's husband, who cuts Amelia's grass.

The Shenasky building today is owned by J.L. Boggess, the son of Evelyn Kasper Boggess, Class of 1953, and husband Okey Boggess, a retired coal miner, who live in the childhood Kasper home in the Frogtown section of Monongah just before you get to Swisher Hill.

Evelyn’s brother, Bob Kasper, Class of 1950, has been my best friend since first grade at Sts. Peter and Paul School in Monongah. Bob lives in South Lyon, Michigan and has a summer home on Grand Lake in Presque Isle, Michigan where I join him every summer for a week of golf on the Rogers City golf course.

We have exchanged the same two Christmas cards since 1955, and the names on them each year reflect births, marriages and deaths.

The two cards are living two-family history documents. When one of us goes to That Great Holler in the Sky first, the other will have a treasured remembrance.

Bruce passed away years ago. Irene Shenasky, who married Amelia’s brother, dentist Dr. John Henry Shenasky, passed away last December.

Irene was the piano teacher who convinced my mother to “save your quarters” and stop paying the Sisters of the Auxiliaries of the Apostolate nuns 25 cents a week for my piano lessons. Irene listened to me perform “The Black Hawk Waltz,” after five years of lessons.

My mother sold the piano the next day.

If you want to congratulate Amelia about the Times article and her 96 remarkable years, her phone number is (304) 534-3736.  You’ll hear a sparkling voice answer.

I did, and her memory is incredible. When I said "Olesky" and "Church Street," she said, "John and Lena" (my parents' names) "and Jackie, who married a Straight" (David) "and lives in Rivesville. And John."

My reply: "I'm John.  Congratulations on the Fairmont Times article about you."

Amazing Amelia, after all these years!