Penelope M. Fidurko

Olean- Penelope M. Ethridge Fidurko, a lifelong community member of Olean, passed away Tuesday (December 1, 2021) at Olean General Hospital, surrounded by her children, after a long battle against Covid-19.

Born on January 11, 1956, in Olean, she was the daughter of Perry and Stella Tracz Ethridge, and sister of Patricia Ethridge and Pamela Ethridge Billyard, who all proceed her into Heaven.

Penny graduated from Olean High in 1974 and worked at Community Bank, Park and Shop, Kmart, and most recently, the St. Stephen's Club.  She owned a local craft store on North Union, the Rocking Cow. Penny was a lifetime member of the St. Stephen's and Pulaski clubs.  Penny was a former President of the St. Stephen’s Club Ladies Auxiliary, and a former Vice President of the Pulaski Club Ladies Auxiliary. Penny was also a member of the Coasters group at the Olean Senior Center. Penny enjoyed spending time with her beautiful grandchildren, Brielle, Delaney, Stella and Perry. Penny would also enjoy spending time helping the community of North Olean, her second home. In her free time, she enjoyed playing euchre and listening to bands at various local venues.

Penny was a generous, charitable, and tireless volunteer. Penny never didn’t send a birthday, anniversary, or any other kind of card to her family and friends.  Penny was wonderful, caring soul who would help anyone who needed it.

Penny was a Catholic, a parishioner at the former Transfiguration R.C. Church. Penny was, and will always be, deeply loved by those who knew her, loved her and laughed with her. Those who were touched by her kindness will miss her dearly.

Penny is survived by her three sons, Joseph (Jiaojiao) Fidurko of Olean, Patrick (Nicole) Fidurko of Olean, and Brian Fidurko of Olean; her daughter, Paula (Al) Bernstein of Olean; four grandchildren, Brielle, Delaney, Stella and Perry, all of Olean; her great friend, Noreen Cook of Olean; and Doyle, James, and Patti Billyard and so many other dear and close friends.  

Family will receive friends at the Guenther Funeral Home, Inc., 1303 E. State Street, Olean on Monday (December 6, 2021) from 1-3pm.  Funeral services will follow at 3pm. Rev. Patrick Melfi, pastor of Holy Name of Mary Church in Ellicottville, will officiate. Burial will be in St. Bonaventure Cemetery, at a later date, and at the convenience of the family.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Olean Theatre Workshop's Penelope Ethridge Fidurko Scholarship Fund, 702 Washington Street, Olean.

Online condolences may be expressed at guentherfh.com.