Mary Pelechaty

November 2, 1914 - April 2, 2009

Mary Pelechaty, age 94, passed away peacefully into eternal life on April 2, 2009 at Swan Creek Retirement Village. Mary was born in Rossford, Ohio on November 2, 1914 to Michael and Magdalena Kornowa, immigrants of the Ukraine. She graduated from Woodward High School in 1934. On February 16, 1946 she married John Pelechaty of Cleveland, Ohio and together they had twin sons. With the help of her family, Mary raised her sons following her husband's untimely passing, in 1958. As the matriarch of her family, Mary ensured that the Ukrainian traditions she so cherished were continued throughout the years. The annual Christmas Eve family gatherings and Easter breakfasts always featured her wonderful homemade breads and ethnic foods. Mary taught and performed Ukrainian dancing, with a highlight being an appearance at the 1933 World's Fair in Chicago. She was a devoted lifelong member of St. Michael's Ukrainian Catholic Church in Rossford, Ohio. Mary served as secretary for Branch 165, of the Ukrainian National Association, for 74 years. She also worked for the State of Ohio Bureau of Unemployment Compensation Office for many years, retiring in 1985. Mary had a big heart and was always willing to help and teach others her interests and skills. Her sharp mind, superb memory and recollection of details and events amazed all. She loved spending time with and cooking for her family and enjoyed following their sporting activities. Mary's grandson, Michael, was her pride and joy. She always looked forward to visits from him, and her grand dog, Spunky. Mary is survived by sons David and Michael (Louanne) Pelechaty; grandson Michael J. II; sisters Natalie Kornowa and Anne Shindel; sisters-in-law Bernadine Kornowa and Dottie Kornowa; and many loving family members and friends. She will join in eternal life her husband John; newborn son, Joseph; her parents; brothers, Andrew, Paul, David, and John Kornowa; brother-in-law, Harold Shindel; and sisters-in-law, MaryJo Kornowa and Ruth Kornowa. Visitation will be from 2-8 p.m., on Sunday, April 5, 2009, in the Ansberg-West Funeral Home; 3000 West Sylvania Ave. (phone 419.472.7633), with Parastas prayer service at 4 p.m. Prayers will begin in the funeral home, on Monday, April 6th, at 9:15 a.m., followed by a Mass of the Christian Burial, at 10 a.m., at St. Michael's Ukrainian Catholic Church in Rossford, OH. Father George Mullonkal will officiate. Final resting place will be at Calvary Cemetery. Those wishing to make memorial contributions in Mary's memory may consider St. Michael's Ukrainian Catholic Church 133 Walnut St., Rossford, Ohio, 43460.