Mary Catherine Sterk, 97, Skilled seamstress, enjoyed cooking and working on crafts

Born March 1, 1906 in Yugoslavia, she came to America at age one. She was raised in Lorain and lived there until 1958 when she moved to Amherst. She was a 35-year resident of Amherst before moving to Vermilion in 1993 and to Avon in 1996.

Mary was a skilled seamstress making clothing, quilts, and pillows in addition to being a homemaker and a mother. Her hands were never idle whether she was enjoying her time cooking or working on her ceramics or crafts. She was a member of St. Cyril and Methodius Slovenian Catholic Church, Lorain.

Survivors include her sons Robert J. Sterk of Avon and Raymond G. Sterk of Vermilion and daughter Lillian Knary of Sheffield Lake, thirteen grandchildren, twenty-two great grandchildren, and two great great grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her husband of 63 years, Peter G. Sterk in 1986, parents Anthony and Mary (nee Mutz) Maholic and by her brother Anthony Maholic in 1944.

Friends may call Thursday, July 17, 2003 from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. at the Hempel Funeral Home, 373 Cleveland Ave., Amherst. Funeral services will be held Friday at 10:00 a.m. from St. Cyril and Methodius Slovenian Catholic Church, 1709 East 31st St. Lorain with the Rev. Fr. Paul Krajnik, pastor, officiating. Burial will follow in Calvary Cemetery, Lorain.

The family suggests that memorial contributions be made to St. Cyril and Methodius Slovenian Catholic Church, 1709 East 31st St., Lorain, 44055.