Roberta J. “Bobbe” Blessel, 74, of 40 West Fifth Street, Emporium, PA passed away peacefully  surrounded by the love of her brothers, sister and sister-in-laws at Penn Highlands Elk, St. Marys, PA on Saturday morning (January 7, 2023) following a brief illness.

She was born September 30, 1948 in St. Marys, PA a daughter of

the late John and Norma Stewart Gore. On April 18, 1970 in Warren, PA. she married the late Melvin Blessel who died May 14, 2000.

Bobbe graduated from Cameron County High School in 1966 Upon graduation she worked in the office at Sylvania in Emporium than in the office complex at Speer Carbon in St. Mary’s

She and husband Mel moved to Kansas where she worked in the banking business where they purchased a tavern. After selling the tavern they returned to Emporium and opened up a women and children’s store. Having a passion for resale shops she opened up her own which grew into performing estate appraisals for area banks.  Eventually she went into the furniture business with her husband, maintaining two stores one in Emporium and another in St. Mary’s. She was an avid bowler for many years. Upon retirement she pursued her lifelong passion of crafting and selling her wares at numerous festivals while spending time with her beloved pet pug “Dudley.”   Bobbe always had a smile for everyone she saw and her door was always open for a friendly chat with all her dear friends at the Maple Street apartments. 

She is survived by one son Paul Blessel, her two brothers, Terry (Mary) Gore, Ned (Irene) Gore  of St. Mary’s and one sister Susan Hoy of Cameron, grandchildren and great grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.

In addition to her parents she is preceded in death by her husband and two brother-in-laws, Donal Hoy and Kenneth Blessel. 

Memorial Contributions can be made to Cameron County Ambulance  299 E 2nd St, Emporium, PA,  or the Cameron County SPCA P.O. Box 132, Emporium, PA

There will be No Visitation. Services will be at the convenience of the family in the Newton Cemetery, Emporium, PA

Online Condolences may be placed at www.BarnettFuneralHome.net

BARNETT FUNERAL HOME, Inc. entrusted with arrangements.