Mary Savko Souch

Mary Savko Souch, age 98, our precious mother and grandmother, went home to be with the Lord on Wednesday, September 15, 2010. Mary was born on January 1, 1912, in Fayette City, Pennsylvania, the first born child of Ukrainian immigrants, Michael and Mary Hraub Savko. Mary was a devout Catholic, and together with her beloved husband, Peter Souch, Sr., who preceded her, were establishing members of the original St. Peter Church. Mary was devoted to her husband, her family, and her country. Her deep faith, and especially her dedication to the Blessed Mother, was an inspiration to all. She will be remembered for her wisdom, strength, generosity, goodness, and sense of humor. Mary and her husband unselfishly opened their hearts and home to family and friends who needed comfort and support. Their home was a gathering place, filled with love, kindness, and laughter. Everyone was welcome at any time and everyone was made to feel important. She will be greatly missed by her family and friends who loved her dearly. She wanted others to remember her for what she believed, for what she professed, and for what she did. Her enigmatic smile and laughter, and true warmth for others, mirrored her gracious thankfulness for life’s blessings. Mary served as president of the St. Peter PTA Association, and the Altar Rosary Society. In later years, she was active in Our Lady of Peace parish. She was a member of the Aquinas Mothers Club, and the St. Joseph Academy PTA. She was preceded in death by her dearly loved husband of 59 years, Peter Souch, Sr., and her beloved son, Peter Souch, Jr. She leaves to cherish her memory, her loving daughter, Mary Pauline “Polly” Souch, with whom she had made her home for the past 13 years. Also surviving are five grandchildren: Peter (Karen) Souch, III, Pam (Jerry) Knoblauch, Paula (Steve) Chenos, Larry (Tara) Scurlock, and Sarah (Eric) Rhodes. Eleven Great-Grandchildren: Peter IV, John and Molly Souch, Jeff (Kelly) Knoblauch, Drew, Vince, Tim, and Laura Chenos, Abigail and Andrew Scurlock, and Claire Rhodes. Two great-great grandchildren: Anthony and Derik Knoblauch. Preceding her were brothers, Mike, Nick, Charley, George, and Andrew Savko, and sister, Elizabeth Burich. Brothers and sisters-in-law: Annamarie Savko, Francis Savko, Pauline and Michael Moldovan, Sam Vidu, Livia Souch, Julius and Catherine Souch, Victor and Artie Souch, Jim Burich, and special friends, Ida Whalen and Mary Boals. Also surviving are sisters-in-law, Gilda Savko, Karen Savko, and many dear nieces, nephews, cousins, God children, special niece, Julianna Souch Ramsey, and devoted caretakers, Raymond Humble, Sr., Joyce Burt, Tigist Dagnew, and Aleksey Shipil, and Star Services. Family will receive friends from 4:00-8:00pm. MONDAY at the RUTHERFORD FUNERAL HOME AT POWELL, 450 W. Olentangy St., Powell, OH 43065 (614)-792-1471 where Prayer Service will be offered at 7:45 pm. (The funeral home is located on W. Olentangy St./Powell Rd./SR 750 ¼ mile east of Sawmill Parkway.) Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated 10:00am. TUESDAY, September 21, 2010 at ST. PETER CATHOLIC CHURCH, 6899 Smokey Row Rd., Columbus, OH 43235 with The Rev. Justin Reis and The Rev. Monsignor John Cody, Con-celebrants. Burial will follow at St. Joseph Cemetery, Lockbourne, Ohio. If they choose, friends may make memorial contributions to: St. Peter Church Endowment Fund, in Mary’s memory. Condolences may be sent to the family at www.rutherfordfuneralhomes.com.