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| from the Battle Creek Enquirer April 11, 1951 |
| Local Woman Active 40 Years in Catholic Societies Mrs. Lena Weickgenant O'Malley, 78, who held local, state, and national offices in the Catholic Daughters of America, was active in other Catholic organizations and belonged to an early day Battle Creek family died at 3am today at her home, 51 Clay. Mrs. O'Malley was a daughter of Christopher and Teresa (Zabler) Weickgenant, who came here from their native Germany in 1864. Christopher Weickgenant was a brother of John Adam Weickgenant who settled in Battle Creek in 1850 and who was the father of the late Jacob Weickgenant, merchant dean here who died in 1948, and the late John Weickgenant, well-known businessman and community leader. A life-long resident of Battle Creek, she served the Catholic Ladies Benevolent association as secretary for 40 years. She served two terms as a national director of the Catholic Daughters of America and headed the state organization as regent for eight years. For 12 years she held the office of grand regent of this district and she was elected to every office in the local Catholic Daughters of America court. Mrs. O'Malley was an active member of St. Philip Catholic church. In addition to her other activities, she belonged to the Altar society and the Library association. She was born here May 23, 1872. Her husband, Michael died Feb. 16, 1925. The couple had two daughters, Mary and Esther, neither of whom survive. The Weickgenant family, typical of several that immigrated here from Germany, has been active in community life here for a century. The elder John Weickgenant began work here in a brick yard, just beyond Verona and later went into a saloon and bakery business here. Five of his six children were born here and one, Jacob was born in Marshall while the family was living there. Survivors of Mrs. O'Malley are two sisters, Miss Anna Weickgenant of 51 Clay and Mrs. Minnie Gregory of 123 East VanBuren. Six nieces and four nephews also survive. Mrs. O'Malley had been ill for three years and in serious condition for three weeks. Funeral services will be held at 9am Friday at St. Philip Catholic church with the Rev. Fr. Gerald A. Owens officiating. A rosary service will be held at 8:15pm Thursday at the Shaw Funeral home. |
| Lena O'Malley Dies Here at 78 |
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