Mary Polonchak

Mary Louise “Mary Lou” Polonchak, 84, of Zelienople, was peacefully called home to be with her Lord and Savior on Saturday, March 20, 2021.

Born in Johnstown on Oct. 22, 1936, she was the daughter of the late Walter and Margaret (Smith) Harshberger.

Mary Lou graduated from Johnstown Catholic High School and married the love of her life, Joseph A. Polonchak, on Sept. 27, 1958. In addition to her parents, Mary Lou was preceded in death by her husband, Joseph A. Polonchak, who passed away on Dec. 13, 2009. She never stopped missing him.

Mary Lou’s career started by working as an executive secretary at Swanks Hardware in Johnstown for several years. After moving from Johnstown to Sewickley, she was a member of Allegheny County Women’s Democratic Committee and Minority Inspector on the Ohio Township election board.

Her community activities included serving six years as Ohio Township auditor, serving as a Girl Scout leader for many years, and volunteering for various activities at Passavant Retirement Community, where she lived during her retirement years.

Mary Lou lived a rich and full life, raising her family. She enjoyed reading, working crossword puzzles, traveling with her family, and engaging in many activities.

She was the cherished mother of Monica (Sam) Sharp of Ross Township, Rhonda (Chris) Bowers of Pulaski, Pa., Yvonne (Henry) Stoops of Harmony and Shawn (Patty) Polonchak of Polk; and proud grandmother of eight grandchildren, Amber (Mike Cracraft) Glevicky, Cassondra (Anthony Kasunic) Glevicky, Kevin (Angela) Sharp, Brittany (Tony Devalerio) Glevicky, Autumn Glevicky, Dean (May Dixon) Sharp, Amanda (Kaleb) Glenn and Brad (Kristine Serrins) Polonchak. She was blessed to have six great-grandchildren, Madison and Maci Massioni, Carlo and Dominic Kasunic, Lexi Glenn, and Spencer Sharp. She is also survived by her loving sister Donna (Ken) Brozack of Delmont, Pa.

In addition to her parents and her husband, she was preceded in death by her beloved brother, James W. Harshberger; and her beloved son-in-law, Martin A. Blythe.

Polonchak — Friends of Mary Louise “Mary Lou” Polonchak, who died Saturday, March 20, 2021, will be received from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesday at Boylan Funeral Home, 324 Grandview Ave., Zelienople.

Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Wednesday at St. Gregory Catholic Church, 2 W. Beaver St., Zelienople.

Following the funeral mass, she will be laid to rest at Christ Our Redeemer Catholic Cemetery in Ross Township.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Mary Lou’s memory to the Benevolent Fund at Passavant Retirement Community, 105 Burgess Dr., Zelienople, PA 16063 or to Pinnacle Hospice, 2605 Nicholson Road, Suite 3240, Sewickley, PA 15143.

Expressions of sympathy may be shared with the family at www.boylanfuneralservices.com.