Mary Katherine Opatich Telfair

News Death Notice

TELFAIR, Mary Katherine Opatich 94, a resident of Sabina, Ohio for 63 years, passed away 4:30 PM, Thursday, May 7, 2009 at Heritage Hall Nursing Center, Nassawadox, Virginia from the effects of a stroke. Her husband, Edward Haines Telfair, preceded her in death May 16, 1983. They were married in 1942 prior to Capt. Telfair being deployed overseas during World War II. Mrs. Telfair was born July 4, 1914 in East Chicago, Indiana, daughter of the late Daniel and Katrina Piovich Opatich. She was raised in Hazard, Kentucky, and earned her Bachelor of Science Degree from Berea College. Mrs. Telfair was one of ten women in the country to receive a Congressional appointment to Walter Reed Army Medical Center for training as an Army Dietician. Upon completion of her training, she served three years as an Army Dietician during World War II. It was at her first assignment at Fort Knox, she met her husband, Captain Edward H. Telfair. Eventually, Mrs. Telfair taught school in Clinton County for 33 years. During her teaching career, she held positions at Reesville, Port William, and Wilmington Jr. High. She retired from teaching in 1978. Until recently, she also managed family farm, which she had done since the death of her husband. She was a member of the Wilmington United Methodist Church, the Ohio Education Association, the National Education Association, the Clinton County Retired Teachers Association, and the Wright Patterson Air Force Base Officer's Club. Mrs. Telfair is survived by a daughter, Florence K. "Kitty" (Tom) Cardaci of Onancock, Virginia; a son, Edward H. (Carla) Telfair II of Troy, Alabama; a brother, Steve (Lucille) Opatich of Columbus, Ohio; four grandchildren, Thomas A. "Tee" Cardaci II, Edward Telfair "Teli" Cardaci, Edward H. "Ted" (Stephanie) Telfair III, and Leah Telfair Dickens; a great grandson, Charles Edward "Chase" Dickens; as well as two nieces and three nephews. In addition to her husband and parents, five brothers, Mike Opatich, John Opatich, Bill Opatich, Luke Opatich, and Daniel Opatich, and two sisters, Ann Bullock and Thelma Opatich, are preceded in death. A celebration of Mrs. Telfair's life will be held 1:00 PM, Saturday, May 16, 2009 at the Reynolds-Smith Funeral Home, 327 N. South Street, Wilmington, Ohio with Rev. Dean Feldmeyer officiating. Burial will be in Sugar Grove Cemetery. Friends may call from 5:00 PM - 8:00 PM, Friday, May 15, 2009 at the Reynolds-Smith Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial contributions be made to the Wilmington United Methodist Church, 61 E. Main Street, Wilmington, Ohio 45177. For more information or to sign the registry of condolences visit www.smithandsonfuneralhomes.com.