Obituary of Mary Leary

Mary (Petros) Leary passed away at the age of 91 after receiving the consolation of the Sacraments. Throughout her illnesses, she received prayerful support from her parish families: St. Michael Byzantine Catholic Church (closed) and St. Nicholas Byzantine Catholic Church. Mary was a gifted self-taught musician and artist. She became a master of the Pipe Organ and served as Organist and Choir Director at Visitation of Mary Parish (formerly Annunciation Parish) and St. Mary Parish in Akron, for a total of 50 years. Her long ministry in music began at the simple invitation of the Rev. James Cassidy, at the time, an Associate Pastor at Annunciation Parish. He asked her to learn play the organ and to learn Gregorian Chant. She took this invitation to heart and used her talentsfor the greater honor and glory of God. She was a gifted artist excelling in Watercolor, Japanese Sumi Painting, and Russian Folk Art. She had a great love for Our Lord in the Blessed Sacrament and was a daily communicant for many years. She passed on to her children her love for the Catholic Church. We thank our mother for presenting us for baptism and raising us in the Catholic faith. Her faith in God and her devotion to Our Blessed Mother and the Holy Rosary helped her through many trials and illnesses throughout her life. She was one of the original members of the Servants of St. Therese, an Association of the Faithful with ecclesial approval from Rome. She was also a member of St. Michael Parish Rosary Guild and the National Slovak Society. Mary was preceded in death by her husband, Charles, parents, John & Helen (Kletcho) Petros. He sisters, Helen Davis and Anna Bennett. She is survived by children, Charles Alan, Mary Eileen (Kevin) Sherlock, Robert Austin, John Patrick, Rosemarie (Michael) Massaro, Stephen David. Grandsons, Robert and Michael;Niece, Brigette McConnell; Nephews Larry Davis, Joseph Davis, James (Tonya) Davis and dear friend, Barbara Rotunda. Funeral Services will be held Thursday 11:00 am St. Nicholas Byzantine Catholic Church, 1051 Robinson Ave., Barberton, Ohio 44203 where the family will receive friends one hour prior to services at the church. Interment Holy Cross Cemetery. Memorials in memory of Mary may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital or St. Nicholas Byzantine Catholic Church.(Anthony, 330-724-1281, anthonyfh.com)