Margaret Mastri, who worked as Coraopolis Borough secretary for almost 40 years, may have moved away many years ago, but she left behind a memory of not only unsurpassed efficiency in her job, but of kindness as well.

Mastri, 84, passed away in Florida last month.

Those who worked with Mastri say she ran a very efficient office, always knew where to find the correct document and could always find the answer to a question right away.

"She did everything by hand. Even the minutes were hand written," recalls Bob Barone, former councilman and public works superintendent.

"She used a feather pen I used to tease her about. She ran the borough. You could never replace Margaret."

Former mayor and councilman Joe DiVito agrees.

"She carried the borough on her shoulders," DiVito says.

Barone and current mayor John Haberland remember that, although Margaret never got paid very much, she never complained.

"She said she didn't need it. She was happy," Barone says.

All three men say Margaret always handled problems and questions with not only efficiency but grace as well.

"Whenever anyone had a problem, they could come to the office to talk with Margaret and end up shaking hands or hugging before they left," Barone says.

"She'd sit down with them and handle it like a lady. Everyone knew Margaret and she got along with everyone."

Ms. Mastri, who was very active in her church, worked through several different administrations in the borough, but DiVito says she always remained non-political.

"People might have rattled her, but she never showed it. She never talked bad about anyone no matter what," DiVito says.

"She was a good girl. She was the sister I wish I would have had."

DiVito kept in touch with Mastri after she retired from her job, her parents passed away, and she moved to DeBary, Fla., in 1985 to live with long-time friends, Arlene and Einar Magnuson. For many years, DiVito sent flowers to her on Secretary's Day.

Long-time resident, Dan DeNardo, also remembers Margaret as a very kind woman and fantastic neighbor who he and his wife knew for more than 50 years. When his wife was in high school, she worked with Margaret at the borough office.

"Margaret was a fixture in the town. I've never heard a bad word against her. She was always pleasant to everyone, even when she was forced to say no."

Gina DiSanto, borough police dispatcher, also thinks fondly of the former borough secretary.

"She was a very caring and very giving person who always practiced what she preached," DiSanto said.

"I kept in touch with her, and and she never forgot the borough and the people here. She always asked how people were doing. She was the genuine article. She was a class act and always looked out for everyone. You don't find many like Margaret in this dog eat dog world."

Ms. Mastri was born in Columbus, Ohio, on May 17, 1923, a daughter of the late Florence and Anthony Mastri. She was raised in Coraopolis by her aunt and uncle, the late Joseph and Jean Galluci. She died on Feb. 17, 2008 at Cunningham Elderly Home in Deltona, Fla.

She was a charter member and secretary of First Assembly of God in Coraopolis for about 50 years. She also served as a Sunday School worker and teacher for many years.

After moving to Florida, she became a dedicated member of Calvary Assembly of God in Winter Park, Fla.

Margaret was a Godly woman and was very generous to charitable organizations and church and Bible ministries.

Surviving are her sister, Mary Knick of Farmington Hills, Mich., and nephews, Gregg Knick, Jim and his wife, Jamie, Knick of Michigan, and Joe and John Spinelli of Ohio.

She also is lovingly remembered by the Magnuson family: Arlene and Einar and their daughters, Joy, Karen and Shari, along with their husbands and children.

Deltona Memorial Funeral Home & Cemetery, Orange County, Fla., made arrangements. In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Margaret can be made to Vitas Hospice Care, 533 North Nova Road, Ormond Beach, Fla. 32174.