Mary T. Chonko (nee Banich), 85, Always Cheery

She was born June 1, 1926 in Mahanoy City, Pennsylvania and had resided in Lorain since 1947.

Mary graduated from Mahanoy City High School in 1944. During WWII, she worked as a seamstress in a shop in Pennsylvania. After moving to Lorain in 1947, Mary was a homemaker, Mother, and Baker working out of her home. Mary was especially known for her apple strudel. For several years Mary worked for Lorain’s Mascon Toy Company, until it closed.

She was a member of St. Frances Xavier Cabrini Catholic Church in Lorain where she was a member of the church Altar & Rosary Society. She was also a member of First Catholic Slovak Ladies Association, St. Ann’s Lodge Branch #114.

Mary was affectionately known to her friends as “Mary Cherry” for her cheery disposition. She was a very kind and generous woman who enjoyed crafts, crocheting and quilting.

She and her husband Andrew enjoyed dancing and traveled with friends to dances throughout the area, and in different states. Her favorite dance was the Waltz.

She is survived by her husband of 65 years Andrew J. Chonko, children Karen Rodriguez (Vince) of Lorain, Andrea Chonko (Roger Kolins) of Troy, Michigan and Joseph Chonko, Sr of Lorain, grandchildren Joseph, Donald and Amanda, 4 great grandchildren and brother Emil “Al” Banich (Lorraine) of Seattle, Washington. She was preceded in death by her parents Karol and Stefania Banich (nee Tichovsky) and brother Francis Banich.

A memorial mass will be held at St. Frances Xavier Cabrini Catholic Church in Lorain at a later date and will be announced by the Gluvna-Shimo-Hromada Funeral Chapel, 3224 Broadway Ave, Lorain, OH.

Memorial contributions can be made to Mother Cabrini’s Cupboard, 2143 Homewood Dr, Lorain, OH. 44055, or St. Frances Xavier Cabrini Catholic Church, 2143 Homewood Dr, Lorain, OH. 44055 or Catholic Charities, 1404 E. Ninth Street, 8th Floor, Cleveland, OH 44114-1722.