Jun 30, 2013

Proudly worked in a wartime factory

Mary Elizabeth Kosovec Zahransky, 90, of State College, formerly of Burgettstown, died Friday, June 28, 2013, in State College.

She was born February 26, 1923, in Burgettstown, a daughter of John and Teresa Kosovec.

Mrs. Zahransky grew up during the Depression years and graduated from Union High School in 1939 at the age of 16. She studied English for a brief time at Mount Mercy College in Pittsburgh, but did not finish her degree because of the difficulties of World War II. She proudly worked in a wartime factory in Wellsburg, W.Va., where she met her husband, Andrew “Whitey” Zahransky. They were married April 15, 1944. After the war, they settled in Burgettstown, where they became the proprietors of Burgettstown Pepsi-Cola Distributorship, which they owned until their retirement in 1973. In July 2007, they relocated to State College.

During her life, she worked a variety of jobs as a truck driver, factory worker, grocery store clerk, restaurant chef and homemaker. Her favorite work, though, was that of mother and later grandmother to her three granddaughters.

She enjoyed collecting coins, completing crossword puzzles, listening to and playing Croatian tamburitza music, reading current events, playing tennis and baking. A master seamstress, she sewed for her entire family and extended family, delighting them with clothes and costumes from her creative hands. Throughout her life, her quick wit and easy smile brought joy to all who knew her.

She was the dear mother of Lou Ann Shafer (Tim) of State College and devoted grandmother “Gaga” of Sarah, Elisabeth and Grace Shafer of State College.

Also surviving is a sister, Dorothy Vukotich of Bridgeville.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Whitey Zahransky; sisters Louise Waltl, Ann Marsilio and Helen Savage; and a brother, John Kosovec Jr.

Friends will be received from 10 to 11:30 a.m., the time of service, Tuesday, July 2, in Taucher Funeral Home, 23 Erie Mine Road, Burgettstown, with the Rev. Jeremiah Montgomery officiating. Interment will follow in Our Lady of Lourdes Cemetery, Burgettstown. Memorial contributions may be made in her honor to the Nittany Valley Children’s Choir, 1426 South Pugh Street, State College, PA 16801. For further information and condolences, please visit www.taucherfuneralhome.com.