Mary Frances (Bogovich) Pistorius

The stars are twinkling a bit brighter today, as the heavens welcomed another sparkling star.

Mary Frances Bogovich Pistorius, survivor of the 1980’s Brady’s Bend flood, entered her heavenly reward as she lived her life on her own terms.  Mary received her heavenly reward on Wednesday, March 8, 2017 at Butler Memorial Hospital after a lingering illness.

Born in Kaylor, Brady’s Bend Twp., Armstrong County, on April 26, 1935 Mary Frances was the only child of Joseph and Rose Pawkovich Bogovich.  She was educated at local schools, and graduated in 1953 from Karns City High School.  She was employed by Tops All Markets Inc., Shop ‘N Save in Petrolia for 25 years and prior to retirement was re-employed for five years by the U.S. Postal Service.

Her children and grandchildren were the joys of her life during the glory days of East Brady High School Football.  She never missed a game that her son played, or a concert or recital performance of her daughter’s.  She was the greatest champion of her children and their most valiant protector.  As a Girl Scout leader and PTA mother, she sparkled with pride at their accomplishments.

A better friend you could never have had.  She had a heart of gold.  With perfect penmanship she enjoyed corresponding with pen pals all over the country, special friends who will remember her fondly.

Trials and adversity followed her life.  She survived the Brady’s Bend flood of 1980, having spent twelve hours on the roof of her car as flood waters swirled around her.  Her faith and strength was tested the following August, as her youngest child, John, was killed in a tragic dirt bike accident on August 16, 1980, nine days short of his 14th birthday.

Cherishing the life she led, and mourning her loss, Mary is survived by a daughter, Cheryl Ann Pistorius of Karns City; a son, Joseph Pistorius and his wife, Donna, of Petrolia; a granddaughter, Samantha Setnar and her husband, Matthew, of Butler; a grandson, Joseph Pistorius and his wife, Jennifer, of Butler; a great granddaughter, Madilynn Jo Pistorius; a brother-in-law, Guy Pistorius and his wife, Nancy; sisters-in-law, Anne Pistorius, Freda Pistorius, Bernice Pistorius, and Dolly Pistorius, as well as a number of nieces and nephews.  Not to be forgotten are her four legged fury friends, Blacquie the kitty, Spottie, and Mr. Minnie.

Friends will be received at the Hile Funeral Home of Chicora, 339 Chicora Fenelton Rd., Chicora, from 1 – 3 and 6 – 8 p.m. Sunday.  A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:00 a.m. Monday from St. Patrick Roman Catholic Church, Bradys Bend, with the Rev. John Butler, church pastor, officiating.  Interment will follow at St. Mary’s Cemetery, Brady’s Bend.  For additional information or to send a condolence, please visit www.hilefh.com.

 Service Information