Mary Podlesny

Mary Podlesny, 94, formerly of the Rosemont section of Bethlehem, died on August 12, 2011 at Holy Family Manor in Bethlehem.

Born in Hazleton, she was the second of eight children to the late Michael and Mary Matcheck Demshock. Mary was orphaned in 1930 and helped to raise and support her siblings during the Great Depression.

Mary's husband of 63 years, Edward J. Podlesny, died August 13, 2009.

She was a faithful member of Notre Dame of Bethlehem Roman Catholic Church. She was also a member of the Ladies Pennsylvania Slovak Catholic Union and the International Ladies Garment Workers Union. Mary worked as a sewing machine operator for over 50 years.

Mary was an accomplished seamstress who took pride in sewing her own dresses. She was an avid reader and taught her children a love for reading.

She will be lovingly remembered by her sons, Edward and wife Fay, of New Tripoli, PA; Richard and wife Susan of Perrysberg, Ohio; David and wife Janet of Macungie, PA and Rev. James of Palmyra, PA; a sister Margaret and husband Frank Tiernan of Silver Spring, MD, three grandchildren and two great grand children. She was preceded in death by brothers, George, Michael, Nicholas, and John and sisters, Anna Stork and Helen Cioffi.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Tuesday, August 16, 2011 at 10 AM at Notre Dame of Bethlehem Catholic Church, 1861 Catasauqua Rd. Bethlehem, PA 18018, of which she was a founding member, with Father James Podlesny, OSB, presiding.

Visitation will be Monday, August 15, 2011 from 7-8 PM and again on Tuesday, August 16, 2011 from 8:15-9:15 AM at Connell Funeral Home, 245 E. Broad St. Bethlehem, PA 18018.

Burial will follow in Holy Saviour Cemetery, Bethlehem.

In lieu of flowers, please direct memorial contributions in Mrs. Podlesny's name to the Holy Spirit Catholic Church Building Fund, 245 W. Pine St. Palmyra, PA 17078