Mary Pogo

MARY POGO HOBART, IN
Mary Pogo, age 89, of Hobart, passed away on October 26, 2011. She was born to Joseph and Wladyslawa Talian on April 23, 1922 at home. Mary lived within a few blocks of that home all of her life. In 1940, she graduated from Hobart High School and then worked at U.S. Steel in Gary. Mary proudly served her country in the U.S. Marine Corps during WW II and was always proud to say "Once a Marine, always a Marine". In 1946, she married Edward Pogo of Gary. Holidays, birthdays and special occasions meant large family gatherings, which included all the aunts, uncles, cousins and lots of good, home cooked food. While raising her daughters, Mary worked at the ANCO factory in Gary, which later moved to Michigan City. She retired from there in 1990. Later Mary became a volunteer at Saint Mary Medical Hospital in Hobart where she made many friends. She happily worked in the mail room for 15 years until January. Mary was a devoted and active member of Assumption B.V.M. Church in New Chicago. For many years she found great joy in working at the parish hall for weddings and other types of gatherings. She was a member of American Legion Post 207, The Madame Curie Circle, and The Polish National Alliance where she served as president. Mary is survived by her two daughters: Cynthia Stevers (married to Douglas) of Valparaiso and Beverly Holland (married to Daniel) of Hobart; brother, Carl Talian (married to Jean); "Bacia" to her grandchildren: Brigette Tharp (nee Stevers), married to Don, Aaron Stevers, married to Vicky (nee Sharpe), Rebecca Tonelli (nee Stevers) married to Steven, Kathleen Lombardi (nee Holland) and Steven Holland; "Great Bacia" and "Buddy" to her great grandchildren: Kristina Tonelli, Cassandra Stevers, Samantha Tharp, Aaron Stevers, Jr., Haley Stevers, Renata Tonelli, Don Tharp, III, Marisella Tonelli, Maxwell Lombardi, and Caliana Tonelli. She was preceded in death by her parents. In lieu of flowers, donations to the VNA Hospice would be appreciated. A funeral service for Mary will be held Saturday, October 29, 2011 beginning with 9:30 a.m. prayers at Rees Funeral Home, 600 West Old Ridge Road, Hobart and proceeding for a 10:00 a.m. Mass of Christian Burial at Assumption B.V.M. Church, 3530 Illinois Street, New Chicago with Rev. Lourdu Pasala and Rev. Jon J. Plavcan concelebrating. Burial will follow at Calvary Cemetery in Portage, IN. Friends may visit with the family on Friday, October 28, 2011 from 2:00 - 8:00 p.m. with services by St. Mary's Auxiliary 2:30 p.m.; Madame Curie Circle 3:00 p.m.; Daughter of Isabella and Polish National Alliance 3:30 p.m.; American Legion Auxiliary 4:00 p.m.; and prayer service 4:30 p.m. at Rees Funeral Home, Hobart Chapel. For more information, please call 219-942-2109 or online at Reesfuneralhomes.com.