Mary Lou Konopka

Mary Lou Konopka, 88, of California PA (and later Brookline, PA), passed away peacefully in St. Clair Hospital on January 11, 2026, following a brief illness. Daughter of Stephen Sepesy and Mary (Pavlak) Sepesy. Born February 12, 1937, Mary Lou spent her childhood delighting in the company of her older sisters, Elaine and Marlene. Their extraordinary bond would strengthen into adulthood, passing along a remarkable love of family that continues to live on through loved ones.

      Mary Lou graduated from California High School as a decorated majorette and went on to complete Secretary School in Washington, PA, later serving as a political secretary in Harrisburg, PA. On June 11, 1960, Mary Lou married Martin Konopka, who preceded her in death in 2011. Together, they shared more than five decades of marriage and were fondly known as a talented local chef/baker duo. She was the cherished mother of LuAnn (Eddie) Lagnese and Christopher Konopka, and the treasured grandmother of Nevin and Nolan Konopka (children of Christopher Konopka and Lana Scabis Konopka). She is also survived by her sister and confidant, Elaine Herron, along with several cousins and many nieces and nephews. In addition to her husband, Mary Lou was preceded in death by a sister, Marlene Herron, two sisters in law: Helen Konopka and Dorothy Cavaretti, and three brothers in law: Francis Herron, M. Carl Herron, and Mario Cavaretti.

      A true glamour girl at heart, Mary Lou was never caught looking anything less than her best, or without her trademark sunglasses. She and her sisters shared a deep love of fashion and all things beauty, leading to impeccable style. Perfectly chic, Mary Lou could often be found primping prior to capturing treasured moments on film with her beloved family; humble and wholly modest, she was a true diva without the ego. Mary Lou never met a dog she didn’t love, or who didn’t love her back.

      Mary Lou will be warmly remembered for her heartfelt empathy, exceptional ability to listen, and genuine interest in her loved ones’ lives. A champion to all, Mary Lou reminded her family to ‘take care of each other’ often, which is exactly how her loved ones will preserve her acclaimed legacy of love.