Mary Ann Tkacik

Mary Ann Tkacik, 85, of Chippewa Twp. passed away Friday, May 12, 2023, with her family by her side after a long period of declining health.
Mary Ann was one of five children, born on April 24, 1938, to the late John F. Tkacik, Jr. and Mary (Ondrusek) Tkacik. She was born and raised in Beaver Falls. While attending Duquesne University she founded a sorority, which was a huge achievement. After graduation she took off for California as a fearless and free-spirited 25-year-old to be a fourth-grade elementary school teacher for the next 30 years. During this time, she was named “Teacher of the Year” and received various other awards. She dearly loved her students and kept in touch with several of them over the years. One of her greatest joys was when one of her students grew up to become a priest, Father Leonard from EWTN, and she was able to attend his ordination. It was her request that he be the Celebrant at her funeral. Another great joy was being able to attend the wedding of one of her students and see her walk down the aisle as a bride. She experienced many adventures while in California, including sky diving. 
She retired in 1990 at the age of 55 and moved back to Beaver Falls, leaving behind several close friends, to help tend to her aging parents and be involved in the lives of her siblings.
Mary Ann was a lifelong devout Catholic. She was a member of the former Christ Divine Teacher Parish and a current member of St. Augustine Parish, where she sang in the choir and was involved in various church activities. She also volunteered as an Extraordinary Minister at several nursing homes taking Communion to residents.
She was deeply patriotic. Always involved and interested in local and state government issues she used every opportunity to share her opinion. 
She will be sadly missed by her brothers and sisters, Phyllis Tkacik, Chippewa Twp. with whom she resided, Dennis Tkacik and his wife, Ann, Albuquerque, NM, Judy Verosky and her husband William, Chippewa Twp. and David Tkacik, Columbiana, OH. She was a good sister, aunt, niece, and cousin. Mary Ann could be counted on to remember to send birthday greetings that she chose with great care. She will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her. 
Friends will be received Friday from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. in the HILL AND KUNSELMAN FUNERAL HOME, www.hillandkunsleman.com , 3801 Fourth Avenue, Beaver Falls, where prayers will be recited Saturday at 9:20 a.m. followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00 a.m. at St. Augustine Parish with Father Leonard as celebrant. Entombment will follow at Beaver Falls Cemetery Mausoleum. 

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