Mary A. Vizza Lope
Mary A. Vizza Lope, 88, passed away at UPMC Passavant Thursday.
Born Dec. 16, 1927, in Johnstown, Pa., to Peter and Theresa Vizza, she graduated from Johnstown High School. In 1948, she married her partner for life, the late Patrick A. Lope, who preceded her in death in 2014. Mary and Pat started their family while operating Pat’s Food Market in Johnstown, Pa.
Selfless and confident, Mary committed the next 25 years to raising her family as only she could. Her kindness and wise counsel were her trademarks. Her cooking was legendary and all were welcome in her house. Her life may be best described as a life of service to her family and friends.
After retirement, Mary and Pat spent many wonderful years at their homes in Glenshaw, Pa., and Bradenton, Fla. Great memories were created at the beaches in Florida, where every child and grandchild was special. They attended more family sporting events, dance recitals and plays than any couple in recorded history, and relished their many trips, including those to their native towns in Italy. There was no end to their games of Scrabble and cards with family and friends.
Mary was an avid reader and tireless learner. She attended college after her children graduated and pursued a degree in childhood education. Her interest in computers and the latest technology allowed her to keep up with grandchildren all over the world through Facebook, e-mail and texting.
Survivors include her six children, Philip (Meg), Theresa (Bill) Stahler, Tom (friend, Margaret Magrish), Patrick (Leslie), Mark (Sue) and Chris (Rhonda); 19 grandchildren, Patrick (Lea Ann), Margie (Ariel) Moutsatsos, Katie (Steve) Casker, Matthew (Amy), David Stahler (Jessi), Michael Stahler, Mark (Katie) Stahler, Mary Pat (Lee) Stahler-Feigert, Julie (Matt) Walker, Sarah (Christian) Sakoian, Thomas, Kerry, Christina, Adam, Ben, Nick, Kelsey, Courtney and Ashley Lope; and 15 great-grandchildren and counting including, Dylan, Wyatt, Stella, Mia, John Philip, Andy, William, Evelyn, Annie, Ryan, Drew, Cara, Hunter, Theo and Clark. Also surviving is her brother, Merle Vizza of Johnstown, Pa.; and many nephews and nieces.
Mary was preceded in death by her parents; her brothers, Raphael (Ralph), Louis, Joseph and James; her sister, Rose; and her daughter-in-law, Amy Beth.
LOPE — Services for Mary A. Vizza Lope, who died Thursday, Dec. 15, 2016, will be at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday at St. Alphonsus Catholic Church, 201 Church Road, Wexford, followed by a reception at the Chadwick, 10545 Perry Highway, Wexford. Interment will be at the convenience of the family. The family encourages those interested in paying their respects before the service to arrive by 10 a.m. at the church.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions to your favorite charity.
Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to the Boylan Funeral Home, 324 E. Grandview Ave., Zelienople.
Expressions of sympathy may be shared with the family at www.boylanfuneralservices.com.
