Mary Elizabeth Ference
January 22, 1922 ~ January 2, 2006
God took the best from the earth to heaven as a New Year’s gift for Himself. He took our mother, Mary Elizabeth Ference, who passed away at Weirton Medical Center on January 2, 2006 after a brief illness.
She was born in Mount Pleasant, PA, on January 22, 1922, a daughter of the late John Hirkala, Sr. and Anna (Blanda) Hirkala. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Joe T. Ference; and siblings, John Hirkala, Joe Hirkala, Andrew Hirkala, Leonard R. Hirkala, and Helen (Hirkala) Faccinto.
Surviving are her daughters, Jean Ann Custino and her husband Don, Ann Marie Leferink and her husband Chris, all of Las Vegas, NV, Dolores Koper and her husband Mike of New Cumberland, WV, and Mary Jo Otey and her husband Bob of Charleston, WV. Mary also has five grandchildren, Michelle (Koper) Bowman and her husband Rob of Washington, PA, Major Eric Koper and his wife Polly of Alexandria, VA, Nicole and Kristen (Custino) Irie of Las Vegas, NV, Curtis A. Pennie of Fuquay Varina, NC. She has three great grandchildren, Michael and Jordan Irie of Las Vegas and Katie Haun Duo Koper of Alexandria, VA.
Mary was ahead of her time as a working woman. In addition to being a devoted wife, mother, and daughter, she was a graduate of Weir High School. One of her first jobs was working for Weirton Can Factory and the Downtown 5 & 10. After she married she was a bookkeeper for the family business, Joe Ference Auto Sales. Later she worked for Weirton General Hospital and then Weirton Medical Center as a switch board operator and in admissions. She retired after many years of service. She took care of her Mother in her home for a number of years until she passed away in 1998 at 94 years of age.
In addition to being a career woman, managing a home, and raising four daughters, she was a member of St. Joseph the Worker Catholic Church, where she served as a Eucharistic Minister and belonged to the Christian Mothers. Mary volunteered to feed the sick at Weirton Geriatric Center and did so for many years. She got up from her own Christmas dinner table and left to feed the sick.
She fed the neighbors, clothed the naked, and tended to the sick. Mary lived her life in preparation for the time she would meet her Maker. That time has come and she can meet Him with pride.
She will be deeply missed by her family and friends. Mary leaves a vacancy on earth that will be hard to fill. Her legacy is one of giving, caring, and loving. Her commitment to following the Lord’s way extended way beyond her attendance at Sunday Mass.
While Mary’s passing is a loss for those who knew and loved her on earth, it is the attainment of her final goal and that is to be with her Lord Jesus and all her family who have gone before her to heaven. What a wonderful New Year’s gift she makes.
Friends will be received 2-4 and 7-9 PM Wednesday and 2-4 and 6-8 PM Thursday at Greco-Hertnick Funeral Home, 3219 Main Street, Weirton, WV where the St. Joseph Christian Mothers will recite a rosary at 3 PM Thursday. Funeral Liturgy with Mass will be celebrated 10 AM Friday at St. Joseph the Worker Catholic Church, Weirton. Burial will follow at St. Paul Cemetery, Weirton.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a contribution to either the American Heart Association, 40 12th Street #206, Wheeling, WV 26003, or the Alzheimer Association, 1299 Pineview Drive, Suite 3, Morgantown, WV 26505. Share tributes with her family at www.grecohertnick.com.
Funeral Home:
Greco Hertnick Funeral Home
3219 Main Street
Weirton, WV
US 26062
Mary was one of the truly good-hearted on this earth. Having worked with her in the late 1960s at Weirton General Hospital, I can just imagine her working by St. Peter’s side in Admissions again with her sweet voice and friendly smile. Our loss, Heaven’s gain.
My condolences on your loss. I knew Mary from the Weirton General Hospital and Weirton Medical Center, she was a gentle and caring woman. She always had a smile and and a kind word.May God comfort you in this time of grief.
Mary Jo and Bob and Ference family, Our love and prayers to you from Gateway Church in Charleston, WV. We appreciate the faith Mary left her family and we rejoice with her eternal celebration with Jesus. God bless and keep you close and safe in HIS love, Pastor Ron McClung and family Gateway Church
What a beautiful lady both inside and out! Our loss is Heaven’s gain. Mary will be reunited with the mother she loved so much. Just to know Mary was to love Mary. Those who live in the hearts of others…. Never die. Fly high new angel!!
TO MY OTHER SISTER MARY YOU ARE NOW WITH JESUS AND HIS BELOVED MOTHER MARY WHOM YOU LOVED SO DEARLY. I WILL SURELY MISS OUR DAILY CALLS, SOMETIMES 3 OR 4 TIMES, OUR VISITS AND OF COURSE OUR MANY TRAVELS TOGETHER AND SHOPPING TRIPS. I HAVE LOST MY TRAVELING BUDDY. WE ALWAYS HAD SUCH GOOD TIMES, OUR TRIPS TO SLOVAKIA TO VISIT MOM’S RELATIVES. ZBOHOM MARY. I KN OW YOU WILL BE IN CHARGE OF KITCHEN DETAIL. AGAIN, SO LONG NEVER GOODBYE UNTIL WE MEET AGAIN, SEE YOU LATER. LOVE YOU ALWAYS. VESELE VIAN OCE AND DOBRE NOVY ROK – MERRY CHRISTMAS AND A HAPPY NEW YEAR. SEE YOU LATER. YOUR OTHER SISTER FLORENCE.
Forever in our hearts!!! We Love you!!! Blanda Family from Slovakia
Aunt May’s passing has left so much to be remembered. She and my mom were sister-soul mates! Born 3 years and 4 days apart, they shared so much of their lives together even though they lived thousands of miles apart. I am so appreciative that I was born into the lovely Hirkala family. I will always remember the yearly trips to WVA by the Union Pacific Railroad; anticipating a “surprise” visit. Staying at Aunt May’s house with all that home cooking made with real garden fresh vegetables and Grandma’s home-made lemon merangue pie. I remember gaining 10 pounds in one month! One thing that I remember most about Aunt May was her positive outlook on life and her happy-go-lucky sense of humor. She wasn’t afraid to be silly and would find humor in the funniest things! Her and my mom used to remind me of Lucille Ball and Ethel! They were two peas in a pod! And now they’re two angels in heaven with the complete collection of Hirkala Angels! May God Bless all of them and us, too. They are all missed.
Jean Ann, Dolores, Anna Marie, and Mary Jo.. I want you to know that I well never forget your MOM. How she always wanted to feed us when we came to your house. She was always happy to see us and always made me feel welcome. She was a special lady and now has gotten new job up in heaven. You can be sure that she well watch over each of you as she always did… Love, Louise (Kowall)
Ference Family: We are so sorry for your loss of your mother. Her obituary was a great tribute to her – we enjoyed the part about being ahead of her time relative to working. She worked so hard at home and at the hospital- I remember seeing her so many times there when my parents were in and out. You have such a close family, which helps with the grieving process. Take care and you have our sympathy. John and Francine
Ann Marie and the Ference Family; Carol and I were deeply saddened to hear of your Mother’s passing. She was a very special woman. One of my dearest memories as a young boy was her ability to make you feel comfortable and welcome. Carol’s first job was helping your mom at WGH on the switchboard. She treated Carol with a warm and loving heart. I was not surprised at this because it was the only way I ever remembered her. Our prayers and thoughts will be for you and your family as you deal with this loss.
Jean Ann, Delores, Anna Marie and Mary Jo and all of your family. Just wanted to let you know our thoughts and prayers are with you during this sad time. All of us in Jacksonville, Tom and I, Bob and family, Scott and Family and Pat and Ed and family share in your sadness even though we are miles away. Your mom was beautiful both inside and out. I know we did not know her well, but knowing what wonderful daughters she has says it all. You should all be proud – you all have the caring and loving nature of your mother. She will be looking down from heaven, still guiding and protecting you, and saying, “A job well done”. May you find peace knowing that she is at peace.
I am sorry for your lost. My thoughts and prayers are with all.
So sorry for your loss. As I read Mary’s obit, I could see what a full and delightful life she lived. Thats a blessing all by itself. God is good.
Our thoughts are with you, Mary Jo.
To the Ference Family, Sorry to hear of the death of your Mom. She was a dearly wonderful woman and hearing of her passing takes me back to the time I worked with her at WGH. My first job was at WGH and it was on the Switchboard and Admissions Office. Your mother trained me on this job and me being very young at the time, she watched over me like a mother hen always making sure I learned everything possible to do the job. Through her I learned work ethic, responsibility and striving to do a good job always. These qualities have stuck with me over the years. To me, Mary was before her time in so many ways, she was atune to her surroundings, always dressed and looked beautiful and was so kind to everyone. I never heard her say anything cross or talk bad about anyone. In between switchboard and admissions Mary talked to me endlessy about her growing up years, raising her family and I could tell how much she loved all of you. May she rest in peace. Love, Martha Simich
To the Family of Mary Ference, We are so sad to hear of the death of your mother, who was a wonderful person and dear friend. She will be missed by many, I think of her often and will miss her deeply. I feel that I am a better person having known your mother. You are in our thoughts and prayers. With sincere sympathy, Ken and Darla Ogle
Joe and I are so sorry that those of you who remain here will miss Mary so much. However, we are happy for Mary that she has gone home to spend eternity with God. May the peace of Christ settle on your hearts to help you through your grief. Love & God Bless,
Mary, Sorry to hear about your Mother. My Prays are with you and your Mother. Bruce
Hi Grandma, This is Jean Ann’s daughter..Just wanted to drop a short note, to say how much you will be missed! I have the best memories of always coming to visit…Do you remember the time we flew from Hawaii all night and we got to your house and we were all hungry. You made munchunka – and I threw a fit because I didn’t want that. I wanted rice. You made me try the munchunka. What about you always making homemade jelly. Sooo ONO!! What about that time that I was playing with Tiger (the cat)and I threw a paper bag over it and it scratched my hand. I still have the scar to prove it! Anyway grandma, Have a wonderful time up there in heaven…Keep on dancing and don’t forget to polish those stars!! Love Nicole
Aunt May I know you all are having a reunion above and watching over all of us. Your fun ways and zest for life will never be forgotton. Give everyone a big hug from us. We love you and will miss you. Keep cooking!!! Johnny-Rachel and Family
Aunt May I know you all are having a reunion above and watching over all of us. Your fun ways and zest for life will never be forgotton. Give everyone a big hug from us. We love you and will miss you. Keep cooking!!! Johnny-Rachel and Family
Dear Dolores & family; So sorry about the passing of your mother. She was such a wonderful & pleasant person. It was always great to see her smiling face when she worked at the switchboard. She will be well missed & remembered. My thoughts to you & your family. Vicki Gilles
Aunt May, today is your birthday so I can imagine what a party you all are having in heaven. I have so many wonderful memories of you growing up, I could write forever. You were a total package, your caring for others, your cooking, your sense of humor,your face, which by the way never had a wrinkle, your smile and your laugh will always be on my mind and in my heart. Most of all, which I apprecate the most today is your belief in God and Jesus Christ. I know everyone, including my mom greeted you with open arms at the pearly gate, I can see each and every one of them very clearly. As cousin Mary Jo said in an instant message “what a reunion that must have been”. The reunions will continue. Love Albert, kathie and Family
To all of Mary’s girls I was sad to hear of your mother’s death. We shared many good times with the Hirkala family while growing up on Weir Ave. and Lee Ave. I will not forget the gentleness in her voice. She dealt with life by finding the light and the joy. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Rose Ann and Bill Keller
Hey star polisher, now Mary Jo’s Mother-in-Law is with you, my Mother-in-Law. Thanks for allowing me to marry your daughter. You both were born in 22, your birthday is 22 days into the month of January and my Mom was buried on April 22, the same birthday as my Dad.