Late Secretary Lorraine Zebrine 'dedicated to Cheswick'

Lorraine Zebrine was dedicated to her job as Cheswick’s borough secretary.

She was always willing to step up to a challenge or take on additional responsibilities. Just ask those who knew her well.

“During her time — I’ve been on council 42 years — there are few people who have contributed more than Lorraine,” said councilman Frank Meledandri. “There are few people who are more dedicated to Cheswick than Lorraine.”

Zebrine died Wednesday. She was 63.

Zebrine worked for the borough during her retirement and became Cheswick’s secretary in 2019, said council President Brad Yaksich. She had also filled in as borough secretary previously, during a transition period.

“She was very organized and threw herself into the job 110%,” Yaksich said. “She was definitely an asset to the municipality.

“She really loved the municipality, and she loved her job.”

When Zebrine started at Cheswick, the borough had some problems, particularly with finances and administration, Meledandri said.

“Her working with (former Council President Paul Jack,) they systematically addressed each of those issues,” Meledandri said.

Meledandri described Zebrine as a tireless worker and a great friend.

“The borough is running very smoothly,” Meledandri said. “She came in, and now we’re debt-free, our finances are in good shape and our systems are in good shape.”

Michael Girardi, a former council president who is now a district judge, said Zebrine was “immensely intelligent and a dedicated woman.

“She always went out of her way to make sure my role, and the role of the other members of council, was as easy as possible,” Girardi said.

Paul Jack, another former council president, met Zebrine through the volunteer fire department. He said Cheswick was fortunate to have her as an employee.

“She managed things well,” Jack said. “She interacted well with public works people, she worked on pensions. She brought a lot of really good administrative skills, and she applied them to the borough.”

Zebrine attended the Indiana University of Pennsylvania and earned a bachelor’s degree in biology, according to her obituary. She worked in the accounts receivable department at H.J. Heinz and later worked at Del Monte, rising to the position of accounts receivable manager before she retired.

Outside of work, Zebrine loved to socialize, stay active and play golf, said her husband, Tom Walker.

Zebrine was a good golfer and scored a birdie on one of the last holes they played together, Walker said.

“It was God saying, us not knowing, enjoy one of your last holes,” he said.

Zebrine cherished her time with her stepchildren and four grandchildren, ages 6, 4, 2 and 1, Walker said.

“The 6-year-old, she’d actually wear him out,” Walker said. “She kept right up with him.”

Council promotes assistant

In Cheswick, the role of borough secretary covers the day-to-day operations and works with council, its solicitor and the public as the “face” of the municipality, Yaksich said.

“It’s one of those jobs where you never know what each day is going to bring,” he said. “They are the heart and soul of the municipality.”

Council promoted assistant borough secretary Jaime Varshine to fill Zebrine’s position. Varshine will be paid $32 an hour as a full-time hourly employee, Yaksich said.

“We’re excited (Varshine) stayed with the municipality,” Yaksich said. “Jaime knows the job, her and Lorraine worked together. We’re very happy she’s staying.

“Jaime is definitely going to do a great job.”