Mary Ann Laraway, 78

Mary Ann Laraway, 78, of Gilbertsville, PA passed away peacefully on Sunday, October 31, 2021 after leading a full life.

Born November 1, 1942, in Lock Haven, PA, she was the daughter of the late Frank and Susan (Kaza) Bologa. She was the beloved wife of Douglas A. Laraway for 53 wonderful years.

Mary Ann was a longtime, active member of Saint Columbkill Church in Boyertown where she was a lector and a staple at daily mass. Mary Ann relied on her faith and family as she faced numerous health challenges over the years. She was a devoted wife and mother who enjoyed spending time with her family and friends.

She loved cooking, a good drink, and especially a good laugh.

Mary Ann received her Bachelor’s degree in teaching from Lock Haven University, and a post graduate certification from Penn State University. Mary Ann was a kindergarten teacher before becoming a full-time mother and homemaker.

Surviving along with her husband Douglas, are her three daughters: Heidi S. Cristini (wife of Gary of Mickleton, NJ), Heather L. Miller (wife of the late Roger Miller of Pittsburgh, PA), and Molly A. Laraway of Warminster, PA; brother Dr. James F. Bologa, of Lancaster, PA; and her four grandchildren: Caroline, Sophie, Gracie, and Lily Cristini.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday, November 5, 2021, at 11:00AM at St. Columbkill Church with Fr. Rich Clement officiating.

Friends and family will be received on Friday, November 5, 2021, from 10:00AM-11:00AM at the Church.

Interment will be held at the Indiantown Gap National Cemetery at a later time designated by the family.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Columbkill Church (200 Indian Spring Rd, Boyertown, PA 19512), in Mary Ann’s name or by using the following link: https://www.parishgiving.org/payment;id=B0101A893637A2D0F27DD6CCE5D9C5C2EC61C8B1DC5DA508

Add My Condolences

Doug..I just read of Mary Ann's passing online..my condolences to you and your entire family. Please reach out sometime..she will b sadly missed by many I'm sure

~ Tracy Fox..Bob Hoffman's old nurse Angier, NC
11/10/2021 2:08:08 PM

We are very sorry to here of our cousins passing. It was always such a pleasure to see her at the family reunions. Be it they weren’t often we all looked forward to those get to gethers. Sending love from Jessie’s kids, Greg, Steve and Maria

~ Maria Maza Beland Royal Oak, MI
11/3/2021 3:05:30 PM

On Sunday night, twenty-five minutes before her 79th birthday, my grandmother took her last breath. This wasn’t unexpected, but it still isn’t news I took well. My grandmother (who my sisters and I called “Granni”) and I were very close. She was my biggest supporter, always telling me that I would do big things and make our family proud. Granni would openly tell people that I was her favorite, but I know she probably would tell my sisters the same when I wasn’t around!

The last twenty years with my grandmother were truly a gift. She suffered a massive stroke on Valentine’s Day of 2000, and was told that it would be a miracle if she recovered. She obviously did as she knew she had more to see. She lived to see my three sisters all be born. She was present for all of our major life events. She never missed daily mass (and daily breakfast at her local diner). She taught my sisters and me the power of faith, kindness, and humility. She had a great sense of humor and allowed herself to be the butt of many jokes countless times.

Not knowing that this would be the weekend she would pass, I sent her a birthday card on Friday so that it would be delivered by Monday for her birthday. In the card, I wrote “so glad to hear you’re finally coming home” - since she was to leave the rehab center Saturday morning. However, she was only home for an hour before having to be rushed to the hospital again. When I got the call that she had passed, I was upset, thinking I had jinxed it by writing that in her card. But, I know that’s not how God works; He was calling her back home to Heaven, just in time to celebrate her birthday with her parents and other family members who have passed on.

Granni will be greatly missed by many, but her impact and legacy will continue to live on.

~ Caroline Elizabeth Cristini Mickleton, NJ
11/3/2021 11:27:04 AM