Estelle D. Musico, 98, died peacefully at home on Aug. 2, 2013. Loving mother of Maggi (Steven) Reiss, Columbus, Ohio, and proud grandmother of Michael (Kristen) Reiss and Benjamin Reiss, Arlington, Va. Also survived by brother Edward Durkalski, sister Renee Storc, sisters-in-law Margaret Spezza and Pauline Mussill, goddaughter Patricia Petrusik, godsons Daniel Fotovich and Peter Durkalski, and numerous cousins. Preceded in death by her devoted husband of 65 years Sam Musico; parents Michael and Bridget Durkalski; and brothers John, Bernard, and Eugene Durkalski. Estelle Galajda was born on Feb. 8,1915, in Glendale. Her father, Stanislaw Galajda, was killed in a factory accident before she was born, and her mother, Bregida Kopec, later married Michael Durkalski. Estelle excelled in her studies, graduating first in her eighth grade class, as valedictorian of her high school class, and then magna cum laude from the University of Pittsburgh with a double major in classics and business. Unlike many women of her time, Estelle almost always worked outside the home. She was a Latin teacher, a high school guidance counselor, and even a welder during World War II. At the age of 59, she became an owner-operator of McDonald’s restaurants together with her life partner Sam. During her 36 years with McDonald’s, Estelle earned numerous outstanding store awards, customer satisfaction awards, an Outstanding Contribution Award in her region, the Dorothy O’Brien Award for passion, and the prestigious Ronald Award. As a Co-op President, a member of her region’s Leadership Council, and as a force in the Women’s Operators Network, Estelle was revered as a role model for women owner-operators. When she retired at the age of 95, she was the oldest active owner-operator in the McDonald’s worldwide system, and a new award, the Estelle Musico Passion and Perseverance Award, was created to honor the force that she was. More important to Estelle than her worldly successes was her faith in God. As a lifelong member of the All Saints National Catholic Church, she sang in the choir, founded the School of Christian Living, provided leadership as a board member, served as a lector, and was a member of the Women’s Adoration Society. To know Estelle was to know that her love of God was a deep source of joy and comfort. Estelle was devoted to her family. She supported her husband’s goals, inspired her daughter to choose education as a career, and encouraged her grandsons to contribute to society. Just as she was a force in her professional life, she was a force in the lives of her brothers and sister, her godchildren, and her numerous cousins. Estelle will be remembered for her pride in her Polish heritage, her incredible work ethic, and her steadfast devotion to God and family. Family and friends will be received from 1 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesday, at the Szafranski/Eberlein Funeral Home, 101 Third Street, Carnegie. Mass of Christian Burial in All Saints P.N.C. Church at 10 a.m. Wednesday. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the All Saints P.N.C. Church School of Christian Living or the Parishioner in Need Fund, 500 Fifth Street, Carnegie, PA 15106.
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