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Mary Serkiz Obituary
Mary Serkiz, 95, passed away on Monday, March 2, 2009, at Autumn Care of Myrtle Grove.
She was born on July 26, 1913, in Woonsocket, Rhode Island, to John and Jenny Kopytko. She was always amazed and gratified that although an only child, she left a progeny of three children, six grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren. Her family was the source of her greatest pride, and Mary served them as the consummate role model of love, compassion, and generosity of spirit. She was predeceased in 1999 by her husband of sixty-six years, Michael Serkiz.
Prior to moving to Wilmington, NC, Mary lived for many years on Long Island, NY, where she was employed as the school cafeteria manager for Vandermuellen High School in Port Jefferson, NY, and also for the Comsewogue School District. Her culinary expertise won her schools many trophies in county-wide competitions. Mary's lifelong passion was gardening. Her vegetable patch and flower-filled yard always brought neighbors over to admire and share the fruits of her labors. For many summers, her beautiful flowers graced the altar of St. Paul's Evangelical Lutheran Church in Port Jefferson Station, NY. She and her husband were faithful members at St. Paul's for approximately sixty years.
Left to cherish her memory are daughters, Jean Wooley and husband Robert of Wilmington, NC, and Nancy Palmer and husband David of Punta Gorda, Florida; son Aleck Serkiz and wife Shirley of Matthews, NC; six grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren.
Her family is grateful to the staff at Autumn Care for providing professional, compassionate care for our mother as she lived her final months with respect and dignity.
The funeral service will be held at St. Matthew's Evangelical Lutheran Church on Friday, March 6, 2009, at 11:00 a.m. with family visitation following. Interment will be at Oleander Memorial Gardens.
The family requests in lieu of flowers that memorials be made to the Pastor's Discretionary Fund at St. Matthew's Evangelical Lutheran Church, 612 South College Road, Wilmington, NC, 28403.
Condolences may be sent to the family at www.andrewsmortuary.com
A Valley Chapel Service
Online condolences at StarNewsOnline.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Mary Serkiz
3 Entries
Becky Copenhaver
March 4, 2009
To Mary's Family~
Danny and I, along with our boys, want you to know how sad we are to learn of Mary's passing. My mother, Vivian Payne, was her "roommate" for almost a year at Autumn Care, and we considered her one of our family members, as well. Even after Mom moved to another room, we looked forward to visiting Mary each day that we came to Autumn Care. Her lovely stories of her life were always a delight to hear. I will always chuckle when I think of her asking me where "my better half" was whenever Danny didn't come to visit, or her delightful name of "Granny" when she referred to my mother. Now, the two of them will be together again and will be able to continue to share their life stories. We were blessed to know her and will keep you in our prayers.
Lisa Loya
March 4, 2009
I'm a nurse at autumn care . Mary was my favorite resident. I loved sitting with her and hearing her stories. She made us all laugh. I will miss her dearly.
Randy Harmon
March 4, 2009
I am so sorry for your loss. Mary was such a blessing in my life, and I feel privileged to have been her neighbor and friend for over 10 years. She always had a smile to offer and a story to share, and I was the better for it. She so loved her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, and she would boast on them regularly. She was a true expression of God’s love!
I will miss her greatly. May God rest her sweet soul!
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