Mary M. Sterpka, 96, of Windham, passed away on Friday, June 16, 2023, surrounded by her loving family. She was born April 7, 1927, in Cleveland, to the late Martin and Ann (nee Timko) Kralik.
She was a proud member of St. Michael Church in Windham, where she was the organist for more than 50 years. Mary worked as a loan officer for Cortland Banks, and had also worked for a short time at the Ravenna Arsenal.
Anyone who knew Mary knew that her two greatest, deepest loves were her family and music. She was most happy when she was able to combine those loves – watching and listening proudly to her children playing music on stage while she sat in the front row or, well into her 80s, danced to the music with a huge smile on her face.
Despite a busy life running a household on a shoestring budget and unconditional love, Mary always found time for her family. She was in the audience for as many performances by her children and grandchildren as possible. She was always her family’s biggest fan.
Mary passed on the gifts of love of music and family down to her seven children, and through them (and their Gram), down to the grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Her grandchildren over the decades often spoke fondly of the holiday get-togethers at their grandparent’s house – which continued even after their grandpa had died. Images and sounds of Gram Mary playing her piano, surrounded by family, all singing Christmas carols and filling that home with love and laughter, were right out of a Norman Rockwell painting.
And during holiday Masses at St. Michael Church, the choir loft often was filled with several of her children and grandchildren singing while Mary played the organ. When health issues mounted and playing the organ, even getting to church, became too difficult, many churchgoers would remark to her children that “Mass just isn’t the same without your Mom playing.” St. Michael Church was that much a part of Mary, and she was that much a part of that beautiful small-town parish.
Mary will be deeply missed by her children, Lawrence (Betty Ann) Sterpka Jr., Thomas (Dorinda) Sterpka, Martin (Lorelei) Sterpka, Mary Sterpka Delaney, Anne (Tim) McManus, Christine (Tom) Collins, and Irene (Kenny) Kropp; 18 grandchildren; 28 great-grandchildren; seven great-great grandchildren, and many nephews, nieces, and dear friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her loving husband, Lawrence R. Sterpka Sr.; and her siblings, Carl, Matilda, Genevieve, Regina, Frank and Albert.
A visitation was held Monday, June 19, 2023, from 5-7 p.m., at Mallory-DeHaven-Carlson Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 8382 Center St., Garrettsville, OH 44231. A funeral service was held Tuesday, June 20, 2023, at 11 a.m. at the Windham Congregational Church, 9029 N. Main St., Windham, OH 44288, with Fr. James Lang officiating. Mary was lovingly laid to rest immediately after the service at Windham Township Cemetery, where she will be reunited with her beloved, Larry. For online condolences, go to www.carlsonfuneralhomes.com.
