Mary Theresa Polando 1924-2020

Mary, a lifelong resident of Youngstown, was born May 12, 1924, the daughter of John and Theresa (Dudash) Horney and was a June 1942 graduate of Wilson High School. It was on the evening of her graduation that she became engaged to her future husband, Paul H. Polando.

She and Paul were married at SS. Cyril and Methodius Church Jan. 25, 1944, by the late Right Reverend Monsignor Stephen W. Begalla. Throughout their marriage, they shared their love by building their home, the raising of their three sons, tending their vegetable and flower gardens, traveling, and appreciating their love for one another. She was deeply grieved by Paul’s sudden death Jan. 13, 1977.

Mary continued to be a loving mother, grandmother and great-grandmother, especially through her prayer life. She was a wonderful cook and shared with family and friends her homemade soups and noodles, cakes and cookies,and the Slovak foods of holubky, klobassy, pirohy, and syrek. Being the hostess of the main meal of the year, the Christmas Vilija, she joyfully carried on the Slovak family tradition of being together at the table, and more importantly, a reminder to be a family around the altar hosted by the Lord.

She was a member of the Cathedral, the First Catholic Slovak Union Branch 731, the Catholic Daughters of America Court Saint Ann at Holy Name of Jesus Church, the Infant Jesus of Prague Guild at Saint Matthias Church and enjoyed the company of her family members, friends and those she encountered at meetings of the First Catholic Slovak Ladies Association.

Mary is survived by her son, Paul M. and wife, Toni Lynn; daughter-in-law, Michele S.; and son, the Very Reverend Monsignor Peter M. Polando; eight grandchildren, Michael (Charlotte) Polando, Suzanne (Jeffrey) Rosser, Kristen (Scott) Von Graff, Deborah (Jeffrey) Scanlon, Patricia (Michael) Naretta, Kathleen (Carl) Sutherwood, Meredith (Eric) Elisio and Evan Polando; great-grandchildren, Stephen and Saffron Polando, Jordin and Kyle Rosser, Anthony and Matthew Von Graff, Luke and Henry Naretta, Autumn Sutherwood, Athena, and twins, Samuel and Oliver Elisio.

Besides her husband and parents, she was preceded in death by her son, John P. Polando; and her brothers, Joseph, John (Anna), Michael (Jean), Andrew (Ann), Steve (Margaret) and Paul Horney.

The family is very grateful for the medical care given to Mary over the many years of her life, especially to Doctors Antoine E. Chahine, E.F. Constantino, Michael J. Devine, III, John F. Geletka and Michael L. Scavina. They express their utmost gratitude to Diana and John Reese and the staff of Briarfield Manor for their kind assistance, as well as to the nurses and staff of the 4500 floor at the hospital.

Memorial contributions may be made in Mary’s name to the Cathedral of Saint Columba Food Pantry or the Dorothy Day Hospitality House on Belmont Avenue in Youngstown.

Due to our current health crisis, we are asking everyone in attendance to wear a mask or face covering and to maintain all social-distancing guidelines, 6-foot rule and not to linger, Thank you.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the Fox Funeral Home 4700 Market St. Boardman, OH 44512.

Family and friends may visit www.foxfuneralhome.org to view this obituary and send condolences.

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