Obituary of Mary Ann Leshko

Mary Ann (Smith) Leshko was born July 15, 1946 in Mt. Pleasant to the late Roy and Martha (Gault) Smith. Mary Ann grew up on her family's farm in Dawson, PA, adored by her champion and beloved GrandDad, George Gault. She was a member of 4H, attended Frazier High School and studied cosmetology in Uniontown Mary Ann married Joseph S. Leshko, Sr. on June 25, 1966, and celebrated 46 wonderful years together on their farm in Old Bethany, PA until Joe's passing in May 2012. Mary Ann’s true vocation was to be the best wife and mother. She took pride in lovingly raising her five children: Dr. Lee Ann Leshko (David Lindsay) of Mt Airy, MD, Eileen Livengood (Chuck) of Ruffsdale, PA,Joseph S. Leshko Jr. (Cindi Taylor) of Aberdeen, NC, Rick Leshko and Frank Leshko, both of Mt Pleasant. Mary Ann relished in every child’s accomplishments and nurtured strong family unity. Over the years, Mary Ann evolved into a great cook and baker, especially mastering traditional Slovak comfort foods from recipes shared by her loving late in-laws, Veronica and John Leshko. Her cabbage rolls and haluski were favorites requested at every family gathering. Her homemade nut rolls, bread and pizza were always a welcome treat for her kids and their friends, many of whom claimed Mary Ann as their second mom. As her children grew older, Mary Ann worked outside the home as a housekeeper for a local restaurant and two hotels. She worked hard to support her children-- whether helping them in college or career, moving or marriage, pregnancy or parenting, Mary Ann was always happily sacrificing for her family. Mary Ann's greatest reward after motherhood was becoming Grandma to her six cherished grandchildren: Justin and Tyler Livengood, Anna and Nico Lindsay, and Joseph S., III and Rachel Leshko. Mary Ann passed away on May 28 at her home surrounded by her children and sister, Dawn Hayes, after a brief, valiant cancer battle. She is also survived by sister, Dorothy Yungwirth and numerous nieces and nephews. In addition to her parents and her husband, she was preceded in death by a brother, George Smith. Mary Ann will be remembered most for her nurturing and loving spirit, her beautiful blue eyes, her smile and the passion for her family and friends. Her legacy of love for Joe and family will continue on. In Celebration of Mary Ann’s life, family and friends will be received on Friday, June 3rd from 2-4 and 6-8 pm at the Galone Caruso Funeral Home, 204 Eagle St, Mt Pleasant, PA. A blessing service will be held at the funeral home on Saturday, June 4th, at 10:30 am followed by Mary Ann’s funeral mass at Visitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary Catholic Church, at 11:00am. Interment will follow in Visitation Cemetery. Mary Ann wanted to thank and recognize her sons, Rick and Frank Leshko for sacrificing their life to lovingly and patiently caring for her the last several years. To offer an online condolence, please visit our website at: www.galone-carusofuneralhome.com