Mary Sakala Obituary

Mary L. Sakala, 90, of Natrona Heights, passed away, Tuesday, Oct. 5, 2010, at the Alle-Kiski Medical Center, Natrona Heights. She was born June 18, 1920, in East Deer, the daughter of the late Stefan and Mary Pavucek Staricek. Mary worked for Alcoa in New Kensington during World War II and later worked at Belair Nursing Home in Lower Burrell. She worked as a volunteer at the Alle-Kiski Medical Center for more than 25 years and also was a former volunteer for the Highlands Area Meals-on-Wheels. Mary was a member of Our Lady of the Most Blessed Sacrament Roman Catholic Parish, Most Blessed Sacrament Church in Natrona Heights. She enjoyed gardening, cooking and was an avid Steelers, Penguins and Pirates fan. Mary is survived by her husband of 47 years, Edward J. Sakala; sons, Dr. Ronald (Rita) Stanko, of Mt. Lebanon, Dr. Kenneth (Ann) Stanko, of Shadyside, and Bruce Stanko, of Erie; five grandchildren, Zachary, Lara, Brooke, Andrew and Matthew Stanko; and by many nieces and nephews. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her first husband, Andrew Stanko; brothers, Steve, John and Andrew Staricek; and by her sister, Anna Staricek. Friends will be received from 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday and from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. Friday in the CICHOLSKI-ZIDEK FUNERAL HOME INC., 1522 Carlisle St., Natrona Heights, 724-224-8688, where a blessing service will be held at 9 a.m. Saturday. A Mass of Christian Burial will follow at 9:30 a.m. in Most Blessed Sacrament Church with the Rev. William Siple as celebrant. Entombment will be in Our Lady of Hope Mausoleum, Frazer Township. To send an online condolence, please visit www.cicholski-zidekfh.com. In lieu of flowers, contributions in memory of Mary may be made to Our Lady of the Most Blessed Sacrament Roman Catholic Parish, 1526 Union Ave., Natrona Heights, PA 15065.