Olga Scheitlin

Olga Scheitlin passed away peacefully on January 6, 2025 at the age of 88 at Paoli Hospital with family by her side. 

Olga was born in Rabafuzes, Hungary on January 27, 1936, to Gustav and Berta Schneider (Duld). Her early childhood in Hungary came to an end at the close of World War II when the German family was displaced and forced to relocate to Wabern an Der Paar, Germany. In 1949 the family emigrated to the United States, settling in New Paltz, New York. 

Olga adjusted quickly to life in America. She spoke only a little English when she was introduced to her 8th grade class but was outgoing and well-liked by her peers. She was active in many clubs including cheerleading, dramatics club, school newspaper, yearbook committee and the high school sorority. She earned her High School diploma from New Paltz High School in 1954. 

Church life was central to the family and one Sunday morning Olga met the love of her life, her future husband, George Scheitlin, who was an intern pastor at Redeemer Lutheran Church. In 1955 they married and moved to Phoenix, AZ and then to Berkeley, CA where George completed his seminary studies at Pacific Lutheran Theological Seminary. Accepting calls at various churches over the years, they lived in New Jersey, Texas and Pennsylvania. 

Olga was active in the church, teaching Sunday school, singing in the choir and serving on parish committees. She also worked outside of the home for many years, but her longest tenure was with Chilton Research company, where she advanced from a phone representative to Supervisor and retired in 1999. 

Olga enjoyed traveling, classical music and opera, but was in her element when entertaining family and friends. She was a wonderful cook and baker, and an elegant and generous hostess. At Christmas time she was known for her cookies, which she baked and shared every year for many decades. 

Spending time with family and visiting with her two children and four grandchildren gave Olga the most joy. Family ski vacations in the Poconos and at Vail, an epic road trip to the west coast and back, and a European driving vacation are just some of the memorable family trips. In later years she enjoyed

watching her grandchildren growing up while visiting with them and vacationing at the beach, on ski trips and on the west coast. She was fortunate to have returned to her birthplace and childhood home twice in her life; once with her children and then again with grandchildren and was proud to introduce them to cousins and share stories of the early years that formed her. 

Olga was a member of St. Luke Lutheran Church in Devon, PA. 

Olga was preceded in death by her parents and loving husband of 46 years, the Rev. George E. Scheitlin. Olga is survived by her daughter Marianne (Daniel) McLaughlin, son Mark (Cathy) Scheitlin, her grandchildren Dylan McLaughlin, Liam McLaughlin, Quinn McLaughlin, Andrea Scheitlin, and her sister Ingrid (Darrel) Sartin. She is also survived by her cousins Margaret (Frank) Seelman, Ella Holler and Elfi Duld and many other extended family members. A service and interment will be at Lloyd Cemetery, Highland, New York later this year. 

Memorial contributions may be sent to St. Luke Lutheran Church, 203 North Valley Forge Road, Devon, PA 19333; Pacific Lutheran Theological Seminary, 2000 Center Street, Suite 200, Berkeley, CA 94704 or the Alzheimer’s Association.