Mary Ellen Rakiewicz, age 89, passed away peacefully at home on September 7, 2022. Mary Ellen is predeceased by her husband, Theodore Rakiewicz, Jr., her parents Helen and William Cherneski, Sr. and her brother, William Cherneski, Jr. She is survived by her children, Donna (David) Nemeth, Theodore (Nancy) Rakiewicz, III and Sandra (James) Pecora. Mary Ellen was also dearly loved by her 11 grandchildren and 8 great grandchildren.
Born on April 14, 1933 in Shenandoah, PA, Mary Ellen was very proud of her Lithuanian heritage and had fond memories of growing up with her brother and her cousins. After high school, Mary Ellen moved to Washington, D.C. where she met her husband-to-be, Lt. Theodore Rakiewicz and was married April 27, 1958. Mary Ellen enjoyed her time as a Navy wife for the next 10 years during which time her three children were born. In 1967 when they retired from the Navy, they moved to Fairport, NY mainly because of the beauty of upstate New York.
Mary Ellen’s greatest joy was being a wife, mom and eventually a grandma (aka mama, grandmama) and a great grandmother. She loved dearly as well her special friends, cousins and sisters-in-law. All who met Mary Ellen noticed her graciousness and her smile. She was a great cook and loved trying new recipes. She held many secretarial jobs in her life and volunteered for many years at her church, St. John of Rochester, Fairport. The UR Hospice Team was a special blessing in Mary Ellen’s life in the last months. The family is grateful for their expert care and support.
A Funeral Mass will be held Wednesday, September 21, 2022 at 11 AM at St. John of Rochester Church in Fairport. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to UR Medicine Hospice, Rochester or St. John of Rochester Church, Fairport.
Comments
6 responses to “Rakiewicz, Mary Ellen”
Dear Donna and family- I will miss your mom. I treasured the time I had with her helping to typing the St. John of Rochester bulletin. She loved her family. She was a kind and gentle lady.
Dearest Nemeth and Rakiewicz Families, Mary Ellen was a treasure to St. John of Rochester and to all that know, admire & love your families. My heart aches for your loss. I pray you feel God’s comfort. You will see her again & there will be no more tears but only joy. Hugs, Leo
Mary Ellen’s smile would light up a room. She & I enjoyed many hours of fun volunteering together. Mary Ellen had a very kind & generous spirit & always gave from the heart.
So sorry to see Mary Ellen’s passing. I worked with Mary Ellen at the Jewish Home. She was such a lovely and friendly lady.
Sandy, Sincere condolences to you and your family.
Donna and family – so sorry to hear about your mom. I know that she and my mom were good friends and enjoyed their time at St. Johns. Prayers to your family.
Pam Ragus Chapman