Margaret I. "Marge" Ospeck of Salem, Ohio passes away at 99

Margaret I. "Marge" Ospeck, 99, of Salem, Ohio, died March 14, 2026, surrounded by family; a Mass and burial are scheduled for March 28, 2026, at Saint Paul Roman Catholic Church.

Margaret I. "Marge" Ospeck, age 99, of Salem, Ohio, passed away peacefully on March 14, 2026, surrounded by family. She was born January 21, 1927, in Struthers, Ohio, to Joseph and Mary Ann Palatas. Her Catholic faith was a central part of her life, and she was a long-time parishioner of Saint Paul Church in Salem. She studied at Youngstown State University and worked as assistant editor of The Bulletin for the Youngstown Sheet & Tube Company. Notable facts: - Marge was born January 21, 1927, and died March 14, 2026, at age 99. - She married Louis C. "Lou" Ospeck after meeting him on a 1954 blind date; they were married for 41 years. - She is survived by five children, nine grandchildren, four great-grandchildren, and a large extended family including more than 30 nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews. - She and Lou hosted dozens of foreign exchange students through American Field Service and Rotary International, and one longtime exchange daughter was Patricia Devos of Belgium. - A Mass and Catholic burial are scheduled for 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, March 28, 2026, at Saint Paul Roman Catholic Church in Salem, with interment at Grandview Cemetery. - Arrangements are being handled by Stark Memorial Funeral Home & Cremation Services; the family has asked for donations to Maryknoll Missionaries in lieu of flowers and mentioned honoring her through acts of kindness. Summary: Her passing closes a life described as centered on family, faith, travel, and hospitality, with a long record of welcoming others into her home. Funeral services are scheduled for March 28, 2026, at Saint Paul Roman Catholic Church and interment will follow at Grandview Cemetery; arrangements are managed by Stark Memorial Funeral Home & Cremation Services.