Mary F. Pistorius
The stars are twinkling a bit brighter today, as the heavens welcomed another sparkling star.
Mary Frances Bogovich Pistorius received her heavenly reward on Wednesday at Butler Memorial Hospital after a lingering illness.
Mary, a survivor of the 1980s Bradys Bend flood, entered her heavenly reward as she lived her life, on her own terms.
Born April 26, 1935, in Kaylor, Bradys Bend Township, Armstrong County, Mary Frances was the only child of Joseph and Rose Pawkovich Bogovich.
She was educated at local schools and graduated in 1953 from Karns City High School. She was employed by Tops All Markets, Shop 'N Save in Petrolia for 25 years and prior to retirement was re-employed for five years by the U.S. Postal Service.
Her children and grandchildren were the joys of her life during the glory days of East Brady High School football. She never missed a game that her son played or a concert or recital performance of her daughter's. Mary was the greatest champion of her children and their most valiant protector. As a Girl Scout leader and PTA mother, she sparkled with pride at their accomplishments.
A better friend you could never have had. She had a heart of gold. With perfect penmanship she enjoyed corresponding with pen pals all over the country, special friends who will remember her fondly.
Trials and adversity followed her life. Mary survived the Bradys Bend flood of 1980, having spent 12 hours on the roof of her car as floodwaters swirled around her. Her faith and strength were tested the following August, as her youngest child, John, was killed in a tragic dirt bike accident on Aug. 16, 1980, nine days short of his 14th birthday.
Cherishing the life she led and mourning her loss, Mary is survived by one daughter, Cheryl Ann Pistorius of Karns City; one son, Joseph Pistorius, and his wife, Donna of Petrolia; one granddaughter, Samantha Setnar, and her husband, Matthew of Butler; one grandson, Joseph Pistorius, and his wife, Jennifer of Butler; one great-granddaughter, Madilynn Jo Pistorius; one brother-in-law, Guy Pistorius, and his wife, Nancy; four sisters-in-law, Anne Pistorius, Freda Pistorius, Bernice Pistorius and Dolly Pistorius; and a number of nieces and nephews. Not to be forgotten are her four legged fury friends, Blacquie the kitty, Spottie, and Mr. Minnie.
PISTORIUS — Friends of Mary Frances Bogovich Pistorius, who died Wednesday, March 8, 2017, will be received from 1 to 3 p.m. and 6 to 8 p.m. Sunday at the Hile Funeral Home of Chicora, 339 Chicora Fenelton Road, Chicora.A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated at 11 a.m. Monday at St. Patrick Roman Catholic Church, Bradys Bend, with the Rev. John Butler, church pastor, officiating. Interment will follow at St. Mary's Cemetery, Bradys Bend.For additional information or to send a condolence, please visit www.hilefh.com.
