Mary Kusher

Kusher - Mary (Havrilesky), 92, went to rest in the arms of the Lord on December 5, 2020 at The Villa Crest, Frankstown Rd. To her grandchildren and great grandchildren, she was known as "Baba, Great Baba", and “Little Mary”. The Lord began Mary's beautiful story on January 22, 1928 in Franklin Borough, daughter of George Sr. and Bertha (Yesenosky) Havrilesky. Preceded in death by parents, devoted husband, Edward; son, Dennis, and brothers, Mike, George Jr., John, Paul, and Peter. Last surviving member of her immediate family. Survived by loving daughters, Diane, wife of Richard Kindya, Mt. Hope, and Deborah, wife of John Pasko, Vinco; beloved grandchildren, Daniel Kusher (Trish Spaid), Jessica (Ethan) Marines, Christian (Kristen) Kindya, Chad Kindya, Lisa Sarver, and cherished great grandchildren, Emily and Eden Marines. Also survived by many nieces and nephews. Her family was everything to her. Mary was a woman of strong Catholic faith and a life-long member of Ss. Gregory & Barnabas Church, Bon Air. She often reminisced how she walked from Hazel St. (Franklin) to Holy Trinity Byzantine Catholic Church on 5th St. (East Conemaugh) to attend Catechism and Mass as a child. Following the Bible and the Ten Commandments, Mary modeled and shaped her family's lives, teaching kindness and compassion. She was graced with many God given talents including intellectual ability, graduating from Franklin High School (1948) in the top of her class. In Mary's senior year she entered an essay contest submitting a writing entitled "What Can I Do For My Country". The entry awarded her a medal and a trip by train to the state capital. Being an 18-year-old coal miner's daughter of Slovak immigrants, she took great pride in that accomplishment. Mary would welcome all into her home with food and drink. She was a cook like no other! Mary will especially be remembered for her pierogi, bobalky, pagach, and krofi. She was also a woman of strong work ethic, doing her own yardwork and house upkeep well into her 80's. Mary lived in her home on Frankstown Road until the age of 91. It was fitting that she passed away at The Villa Crest, only blocks from her life-long home in the neighborhood that she loved. Mary’s family would like to thank the staff at The Villa Crest for their compassionate care they gave to her. Also, a thank you to all who provided loving care over the last 1 1/2 years. A special thank you to her nephew Fr. John Brezovec, who provided her spiritual support. At Mary's request, and due to Covid-19 restrictions, there will be no public viewing. A private Funeral Mass will be held at Ss. Gregory & Barnabas Church, Bon Air, Fr. Robert Ruston & Fr. John Brezovec. Private interment will be held at Forest Lawn Memorial Park. The family is being served by Baker-Harris Funeral Chapel, 229-231 First St., Conemaugh. On line condolences may be posted to www.wharrisfuneralhome.com.