Remembering the life of Mary Utzman (2024)

Utzman -Mary, 95, Johnstown, PA, passed away May 23, 2024, at Arbutus Park Manor. Mary is preceded in death by her parents Matt and Anna (Zugelj) Rus, husband Robert A. Utzman, brother Joseph Rus who served and lost his life in World War II, and son Robert James Utzman. Also preceded in death by brother-in-law Carl Tokarsky, mother-in-law Jennie Rexroth and her husband Aaron, sister-in-law Hermina Smilnak and her husband George, brother-in-law James Rexroth, sister-in-law and best friend Elsie Utzman, and nephews Thomas Smilnak, Robert Susa, and Ernest Susa. Mary is survived by sisters Anna Susko (James) and Hermina Tokarsky, daughter Mary Grace Ross (John) and daughter Jane Utzman (David Heatwole) and four grandchildren who brought her great pride and joy: Emily Ross, Jennifer Ross, Eric Heatwole, and Troy Heatwole. Also surviving are numerous nieces and nephews. Mary was born and raised in Krayn, PA. Her parents immigrated from Slovenia just prior to the Great Depression. Although she grew up during difficult times, Mary always carried on with a smile and chose to look at the bright side of life. This attitude got her through hardships, but also gained her many friends. Mary graduated from Adams Township High School and attended cosmetology school, however never worked in that profession. Instead, she worked in the Krayn General Store for her best friend Elsie's brother, Bob Utzman, who later became her husband. They married on May 3, 1953. They also operated the Llanfair Grocery Store. After they began their family, Mary was a homemaker and loved to welcome her nieces, nephews, and her children's friends into her home. Everyone enjoyed Mary's wit, conversation, and delicious desserts. Her home was a home-away-from-home for many. After her youngest daughter went on to college, Mary joined Bob working in the real estate business (Century 21 All Service, Inc) developing affordable housing and selling real estate in Cambria County. Mary worked on the advertising and promotion of the business and just loved talking with all the customers and agents. After Bob's death in 1990, Mary retired. Mary then transitioned to Richland Woods Assisted Living where she lived for over four years. Over the past two years, Mary has lived in Arbutus Park Manor. Mary's positive attitude and beautiful smile won her many friends in her new home - both staff and residents alike. She loved talking about her grandchildren and growing up in the Krayn/Dunlo area. Her positive attitude was infectious as she inspired many with her kind and encouraging words. She was the personification of positivity. Mary was a member of S.N.P.J Lodge 174 and the American Legion Auxiliary. Her family would like to thank the nurses, aides, and staff of Arbutus Retirement Community for making her stay so comfortable and for providing Mary and her family with friendship and comfort. We would also like to thank Windber Hospice for their care over Mary's last days. Friends will be received for visitation Thursday, May 30th from 4-7 pm at the Jean H. Kinley Funeral Home in Beaverdale PA. A religious service will be held at 11:00 AM on Friday, May 31st at the Kinley Funeral Home officiated by Pastor Jon Estes. Committal to follow at Corpus Christi Cemetery, Dunlo, PA. Flowers or charitable contributions are welcome. Suggested contributions are Arbutus Park Retirement Community, Benevolent Care Fund at 207 Ottawa Street, Johnstown, PA 15904, Windber Hospice, 600 Somerset Avenue, Windber, PA 15963, or the charity of your choice.

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Published on May 27, 2024