RIP Mary Kiszka

Raleigh Register Obits:

Mary KiszkaArrangements by Tyree Funeral Home, Oak Hill, W.Va.

Mary Kiszka, 91, of Carlisle, W.Va., died Tuesday, March 3, 2009, at Plateau Medical Center in Oak Hill, W.Va.

Mass of Christian Burial will be 11 a.m. Saturday, March 7, 2009, at Sts. Peter and Paul Catholic Church in Oak Hill. Visitation will be held at Tyree Funeral Home today from 5 to 7 p.m.

Online condolences may be sent at http://www.tyreefuneralhome.com.

I am sure you are asking yourself why I would put in an obit for one Mary Kiszka.  Well, she was an indelible part of my youth.  Growing up, Mary lived across from my home in a small holler in Carlisle, West Virginia.  I now own the house that I grew up in.  Mary was a character.  She was a recluse who lived alone her entire life (no man, no kids, no worries).  Her house was dilapidated and should have been condemned time and time again.  When I was a kid, we used to torment her.  We would aim our fireworks at her house on New Year’s Eve.  We would ride our bikes close to her fence to aggravate her dogs.  (Mean little shits, I know).  She always tattled on us when we were mischievous…. sigh.

As an adult I came to know Mary a little better.  She always occupied a warm place in my heart.  She would have encouraging things to say about me, my progress in life and my children.  I would share holiday meals with her and she was always so grateful.  I have a letter which she gave me while I was collecting stamps.  The postmark is from the early 1900s and has the Carlisle post office mark (which is no longer there).

Mary makes me realize that sometimes when we are first introduced to a person (or a place, or a concept) we should not proceed only on first impressions.  If we do that, we potentially miss out on people or things that are of a caliber we have never experienced.  What a crazy joy to know Mary, what a heavy heart to say goodbye.

I am sure the angels greeted Mary at the gates and escorted her in with smiles.

Rest in Peace Mary ❤