Mary Sophia Kolbash Rakas
Mary Sophia Kolbash Rakas, 76, of Cardale, Pennsylvania passed away and went home to be with the Lord on Thursday, June 10, 2010 from her home. She was born April 23, 1934 in Allison, Pennsylvania the daughter of Franczyek and Rozalia Woznicka Kielbasa (Kolbash).
Mary was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Frank Thomas Rakas; brothers and sisters, Frank, John, Theodore, Leonard in infancy, Joseph, Anna, Victoria, Agnes, Edward, Bert, Jacob, Chester and Lloyd.
Mary is survived by her most loving family: children, Timothy Rakas and wife Jane of Uniontown, Pennsylvania, Richard Rakas and his wife Chanin of Elco, Pennsylvania and Judith Christner and her husband Michael of Union, Kentucky; her grandchildren: Olivia Rakas, Jacob Rakas, Dakota Renner, Canyon Renner, Marlee Renner, Shaylee Duvall, Anastasia Christner and Noah Christner; a sister, Helen Zembrzuski of Whiting, New Jersey; many loving nieces and nephews.
Mary was an outgoing, vibrant soul that had a zest for life. She faced her burdens and struggles in the last years with inspiring fortitude. Her fighting spirit will live on in those who are duty bound to their faith, family and country.
Mom was known for her love and compassion for others and was always willing to help someone in need.
Her life centered around her family and she taught us that we could accomplish anything we put our minds to.
She taught her children to be respectful and respectable, loyal to one another, ambitious in all noble pursuits and to be good and decent citizens.
Her door was always open, and an extra plate was always set for a good hot meal, prepared by loving hands. Mom was a great cook and was especially known for her potato salad.
Keeping the family’s Polish heritage alive was extremely important to her.
Mary was a member of The Church of the Madonna in Cardale for over forty years. She was also active in The Confraternity of Christian Mothers at the church.
Mom worked for several years at Fiddle’s Diner in Brownsville, Pennsylvania where she met many people she left an impression on and made friendships that lasted a lifetime.
She also worked for several years for Government Services in Washington, D.C., as well as The Church of the Madonna in Cardale, Pennsylvania.
We are grateful for our mother’s life. We will miss her dearly, remember her always, and love her forever!
Her faith in God was her stronghold and she prayed the Rosary every day. Her faith was inspirational and continues to provide strength and courage to all she met.
The family wishes to acknowledge and extend their deepest appreciation for the many expressions of sympathy and support and ask for your continued prayers and thoughts during this time.
Friends will be received in ROBERT T. KISH FUNERAL HOME INC., 19 Legion Street, Republic, Pennsylvania on Monday from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. and Tuesday, June 15, 2010 until 9:30 a.m. when a Prayer Service will be held.
A Funeral Mass will follow at 10 a.m. in The Church of The Madonna, Cardale, with Rev. Father Stephen Bugay as Celebrant.
Interment will follow in Saint Mary Cemetery, Cardale.
Divine Mercy and also the Rosary will be prayed in the Funeral Home on Monday at 3.
Parish Wake Service will be held in the Funeral Home on Monday at 8:30 p.m.