Mary Stezoski

Mary Catharine Stezoski, resident of Mount Vernon of South Park, passed from this life peacefully in her sleep on March 3, 2016 at the age of 94.  She was born on January 18, 1922 and raised in Homestead, Pennsylvania, the daughter of Albert and Amelia Stezoski.  She is survived by her siblings, Theresa Corso of Jefferson Hills, Vern Schiff of Bowie, MD and Bill Stezoski of Plum Boro, and was preceded in death by her sister, Ann Swisher, and brothers, Walter, Theodore, and Joseph.  She delighted in numerous nieces and nephews as well as their children and grandchildren.

Mary lost her hearing at age seven due to meningitis, but gained the courage and determination to explore and enjoy the world to her fullest. She graduated from De Paul Institute (a 12-year program which she completed in seven years), Sacred Heart High School, and the University of Pittsburgh where she earned a scholarship and was awarded a B.A. in English in 1949. She attained high honors at all three of these institutions, primarily due to her excellent lip reading skills.

Long before the American for Disabilities Act offered support to those with disabilities, Mary took the world head-on and excelled in her career in the research department at the University of Pittsburgh. She also helped others in the deaf community with communication issues.

Mary was inspired by Helen Keller and as a high school senior was chosen to interview her when Ms. Keller visited Pittsburgh. Mary also loved traveling to places far and wide around the world and was among the first to tour China after that country was opened to Western visitors.  She also traveled extensively in Europe and kept a journal of each of her trips. She even had an audience with the Pope in Rome and met England’s Queen Mother in London.

Mary’s keen wit and sense of humor, and love of “a little bit of everything” in desserts and in life, will be missed by her family, friends and everyone who met and knew her.

Friends received on Sunday from 2 - 4 and 6 - 8 PM at the George Irvin Green Funeral Home, Inc., 3511 Main St. Munhall 15120 (412-461-6394).  Mass of Christian Burial will be on Monday at 10 AM in St. Thomas A Becket, R. C. Church in Jefferson Hills.  Please share your memories and condolences at georgeigreenfuneralhome.com

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