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AUSTINTOWN -- Mary H. Yurko Oleyar, born Jan. 29, 1928, peacefully passed away Wednesday, Jan. 10, 2024.
She was predeceased by her husband of 71 years, Andrew (Larry) Oleyar; parents, Imro and Anna Klimcak Yurko; brother, John Yurko; and her sisters, Anne Hrusovsky, Margaret Ianazone and Helen Yurko.
She is survived by her children, Donna Timonere of Ashtabula, Kathy (Len) Batcha of Coppell, Texas and John Oleyar of Westerville; as well as four grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.
After losing her father to an industrial accident at age 2, Mary grew up in Lansingville on Youngstown's South Side during the Great Depression. At age 15, she took her first formal job working five evenings a week as a counter girl at Republic Steel, then as a cashier, and later as a bookkeeper. After graduation from Woodrow Wilson High School, she married and continued her work at Republic, enabling her husband to devote much of his time to earning his college degree with help from the GI Bill.
Mary was deeply devoted to her family. She cared for her husband at home following a series of strokes, and paid an extended visit to her daughter in Texas to help as she recovered from major surgery. She aided her sisters through their health issues for many years, despite working through some of her own. Whenever someone needed help, she was there.
Nothing was more important to Mary than her roles as homemaker, wife and mother. An avid reader throughout her life, she raised her three children with a strong emphasis on education, teaching each of them to read before they entered school. Her insistence on homework, study, discipline and responsibility resulted in all three of her children earning college degrees, which she regarded as a point of pride.
Mary enjoyed traveling and visited Europe on multiple occasions. She met several overseas family members in the villages of Slovakia, and visited Italy, Switzerland, France and England. She cruised the Caribbean and the Pacific Ocean, enjoying most her time in Hawaii and on the sands of Punta Cana.
In addition to annual excursions throughout the eastern United States while raising her children, she helped plan regular vacations with her children and grandchildren in Myrtle Beach for about 15 years, but she especially enjoyed many memorable out-of-town family shopping trips with her sisters, daughters and niece, Marilyn Davis, whom she often described as her "third daughter."
Mary was a member of St. Christine Parish for more than 60 years. She was active in her Greek Catholic union lodge and participated in bowling and golf leagues. She regularly hosted family gatherings on holidays, and was proud to keep alive her family's Slovak heritage through traditional food and customs at those events. Until reaching almost 90 years of age, she was a regular participant in SilverSneakers senior exercise classes, where she made several highly-valued friends. Mary will be missed by all whose lives she enhanced.
Visitation will begin at 10 a.m. Monday, Jan. 22 2024, at St. Christine Parish, 3165 S. Schenley Ave., Youngstown, with Mass to follow at 11 a.m., with Father Jerek presiding.
The family wishes to express its gratitude to the kind and caring staff of Victoria House and Hospice of the Valley, whose exceptional efforts gave Mary great comfort in her final days.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that any donations be made to Hospice of the Valley, 9803 Sharrott Road, Poland, OH 44514; or Victoria House, 5295 Ashley Circle, Austintown, OH 44515, in memory of Mary.
Condolences can be made online at vaschakkirilafh.com.
(special notice)