Mary J. Washko "Mary Girl"
Mary J. Washko, age 70, of Lake Station, passed away Thursday, January 28, 2016 after a courageous battle with cancer at VNA Hospice in Valparasio surrounded by her loving family. She was born on May 21, 1945 in Gary, Indiana to the late John Michael and Mary Josephine (nee Kozma) Kolosci. Mary was the first of eight children. She was a 1963 graduate of Andrean High School.
On September 7, 1968 Mary married Dennis Washko in Lake Station, Indiana at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church. She was a retired aide at Lake Park Residential. She loved traveling and visiting her grandchildren and daughter and son in law in Maine. She also enjoyed her Diamond Tour bus trips with her sisters and travel buddies. Mary will be remembered for her quick wit, colorful language, and that she would go out of her way for anyone. More importantly, she cherished the time she spent with her family and friends.
She is survived by her husband of 47 years, Dennis Washko; daughter Sandy (Bob) Erving; two grandsons, Dennis and Joseph Erving; three brothers, John (Marylou) Kolosci, Anthony (Nada) Kolosci and Dennis (Kathy) Kolosci; sister, Marcella Tharp; sister in law Sandy Kolosci and brothers in law Ron Claxton and Philip Washko; cherished friends, Jackie, Rosemary, Dionne, Gloria and Sonny, numerous nieces and nephews and other loving family members and friends.
Mary is preceded in death by her parents; two brothers, David and Joseph Kolosci Sr.; sister, Kathryn Claxton; nephew, Joshua Kolosci; niece, Virginia Lynn Kolosci and brother in law David L. Tharp.
In lieu of flowers donations to Smile Train, Saint Jude's Children Hospital or Valparaiso, VNA Hospice would be appreciated.
A funeral service for Mary will take place at Rees Funeral Home, 600 West Old Ridge Road, Hobart, Indiana 46342 on Monday, February 1, 2016 at 11:00 am. Burial will follow at Calvary Cemetery in Portage. Visitation will be held on Sunday, January 31, 2016 from 2:00-8:00 pm also at Rees Funeral Home, Hobart Chapel. For more information, please call 219-942-2109. Online condolences may be shared with the family at www.reesfuneralhomes.com.