Marna L. Conrad

Marna Conrad died peacefully in the home that she loved in Blairsville, PA at the age of 86 on October 29, 2024.

To have known her was to love her - or not - but either way you would have respected her. Marna joined the Airforce and, after her service was over, she traveled doing odd jobs. She often talked about being in Selma, Alabama and told of the police locking her up for the day, which she did not appreciate and gave them hell all day over. Only later would she realize after getting out why they had arrested her and has said she was sure she would have died that day had they not. Marna was known to be as intelligent as she was aloof, having sat in on a no-hitter without realizing it until she recounted it to her baseball-loving grandson. She tipped him off by saying she had read the newspaper at a game once because it was incredibly boring, as not a single player hit the ball the entire game. These are just a few examples of why her son compares her to Forrest Gump.

Marna loved history and was very involved with the Blairsville Underground Railroad and Blairsville Historical Society.  She was always willing to help fundraise for a historical cause, spearheading Showtime for years and devoting countless hours to making and tailoring period clothing for reenactments.

Marna was a devoted mother, grandmother, and friend to many. She adored her grandchildren with all that she was and had a special bond with each. She would always say whichever one she was with was her favorite.

Marna was preceded in death by her husband Ronald Conrad Sr. in 2002 and her sister Joyce in 2005. She adored them both and missed them terribly.

She is survived by her son, Ronald Walstrom, of Loyalhanna, daughter, Lori Hoffer, and her husband Arnie, as well as three grandchildren, Tia Walstrom, Tyler Bradley, and Mike Walstrom. She is also survived by her stepchildren Chuck Conrad and Kim McKinney. She had too many friends to list, but all were loved and held dearly. Thank you to Bridges Hospice, especially Shannon and Bridget.

Marna was a force to be reckoned with on many levels and could be frustrating at times, but always provided a laugh for all.

PLEASE DO NOT SEND FLOWERS. They will be put in another room as she was allergic and did not like them. If you would like to do something, do a good deed and help someone who really needs it, and/or bring something she made for you over the years to show the family.

Viewing will be Thursday from 4-7pm at the McCabe Funeral Home, 300 W. Third Avenue, Derry.  A farewell will be Friday at 10 am with interment in the St. Joseph Church Cemetery.

A reception will be at Ravalia’s in Blairsville. (her favorite spot).

Online condolences may be made to www.mccabefuneralhomespa.com.