Mary A. Michalenko

Mary A. Kryston Michalenko, 85 of 35 Powers Street, died at home on Wednesday, July 28, surrounded by her five children and her beloved brother-in-law, Fr. Alexei "Tony" Michalenko. She was born in North Adams on December 5, 1924, a daughter of the late Peter and Josephine (Golebiowski) Kryston and attended St. Joseph's school in North Adams. She married Ignatius J. Michalenko October 11, 1947. In her early years she worked for Sprague Electric and at the Mohawk Theater. For many years she worked beside her husband in their family business, Adams Specialty and Printing Company and supervised home delivery of their publication, The Shopper's Companion. She retired from Waverly-Schumacher in Adams. She was a communicant of the former St. Stanislaus Kostka Church in Adams and a member of the Rosary Sodality and Polish Women's Alliance. She was vice president of the V.F.W. Ladies Auxiliary Post 1996 for several years. She and her husband co-chaired the Northern Berkshire United Way Campaign in 1974 and 75. She was devoted to her husband, Iggy and faithfully cared for him for nine years after he suffered a disabling stroke. He died on April 12, 1997. Mrs. Michalenko is survived by her five children: Eugene Michalenko,of Adams; Janice Hayer and husband Joseph of Adams, Peter Michalenko of Phoenix, Arizona, Brother Paul Michalenko, ST, PhD of Chicago, Illinois and Carol Ferrari and husband Michael of Walterboro, South Carolina. Seven grandchildren: Jason Hayer and wife Holly of Adams, Jeffrey Hayer and wife Linda of Redwood City, California, Julie Hayer Coe and husband Daniel of Pittsfield, Jennifer Ferrari Schenck and husband Dr. John Schenck of Columbia, South Carolina, Aaron Ferrari and Angela Ferrari of Charleston, South Carolina, Dr. Christina Ferrari and husband Dr. Nicolas Maldonado of Port Richey, Florida and ten great grandchildren: Courtney, Nolan, Addison, John, Ignatius and Xavier Hayer, Susanna and Emily Schenck, Nicolas Maldonado and Hayden Coe; her sister, Mildred Hanke of Adams and longtime family friend, Fr. William Burkert of Milwaukee, WI survive her as well as numerous extended family members. She was pre-deceased by two brothers, Frank and John Kryston and cousin, Helen Kryston Kozik. The funeral will be held on Saturday, July 31st, at 9:45 AM from the PACIOREK FUNERAL HOME, 13 Hoosac St. Adams, followed by a concelebrated Liturgy of Christian Burial at 11:00 AM in St. Mary of the Assumption Church, Cheshire. Fr. Michalenko will be principal celebrant. Burial will follow in St. Stanislaus Kostka Cemetery, Adams. Calling hours are Friday from 4 to 7 PM at the funeral home. Members of the St. Stanislaus Rosary Sodality will meet at the funeral home on Friday at 3:45 PM to pay their respects and recite the Rosary. Memorial donations may be made to the VNA & Hospice of Northern Berkshire, or to any charity of the donor's choice, through the funeral home.

Mary A. Michalenko

December 5, 1924 - July 28, 2010