Mary A. Gradisek's Obituary
Mary A. Gradisek passed away on Tuesday, December 6, 2016. She was born in Lorain, Ohio where she lived most of her life. She graduated from Lorain High School with the class of 1940 B. She took business courses at Lorain Business College and began her career as a bookkeeper at Black River Lumber. She was secretary to the Superintendant of the Blast Furnaces at U.S. Steel and also worked in the accounting department for the same company. Mary took great pride working in various capacities in her husband and son's optometric practices well into her 80's.
She met the love of her life, Dr. Frank Gradisek in June of 1943 and they were married on May 4, 1946. They were together for 62 years and raised 4 children. They shared a love of music and loved to dance. She played the piano and organ as a pastime. She cherished her family and loved the time spent together.
A woman of faith, she loved her church. She was a devoted and active member of the Church of St. Peter. She served as a Eucharistic Minister and chaired the Blood Bank with her husband for several years. She was also involved in the school activities, was a library assistant and worked at the annual festival for many years.
Mary was a member of the Lakeland Club, the Aquamarine golf league, the Immaculate Conception Society, the Buckeye Lodge and the Congregation of the Sacred Heart.
She is survived by her sons, Dr. Robert (Diana) Gradisek, of Avon and Dr. Richard (Roxanne) Gradisek, of Akron; daughters, Lois (Daniel) Andreas, of Sugarcreek and Elaine (Dr. W. Patrick) McGuinn, of Sandusky; grandchildren, Matt Andreas, Jason Andreas, Dr. Amanda Gradisek, Benjamin Gradisek, Dr. Nicole Huntress, and Dr. Brian Gradisek; and 9 great-grandchildren.
Mary was preceded in death by her husband, Dr. Frank Gradisek, in 2008; her parents, Andrew and Mary Pogachar; and a brother, Andrew Pogachar.
The Gradisek family will receive friends on Saturday, December 10, 2016 from 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 noon at the Church of St. Peter, 3655 Oberlin Ave. Lorain. Mass of Christian Burial will follow the visitation at 12:00 noon. Rev. Fr. Craig Hovanec, Pastor, will officiate. Interment will follow at Calvary Cemetery, Lorain.
The family suggest contributions be made in memory of Mary to the Church of St. Peter, 3655 Oberlin Ave. Lorain, OH 44053 , the Community Hospice, 716 Commercial Ave. New Philadelphia, OH 44663 or to Commons of Providence Center, 5000 Providence Drive, Sandusky, OH 44870.
Online condolences may be left for the family at www.dovinreberjones.com -
What’s your fondest memory of Mary?
What’s a lesson you learned from Mary?
Share a story where Mary's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Mary you’ll never forget.
How did Mary make you smile?
