Maria Holovka

Holovka, Maria (Plakos)

Maria (Plakos) Holovka, 95 went to be with her Lord on Thursday evening, July 28, 2016 at the Elizabeth Church Manor Nursing Home. Maria was a loving and generous Mom, Grandma and Baba. We mourn her passing, but rejoice in her reunion in heaven with her beloved husband, Michael. Maria is survived by a loving daughter, Michaeleen and her husband David P. Gdovin (Vestal, NY). Maria is also survived by a devoted son, Mark and his wife Cindy (Charlottesville, VA). Maria was blessed with four grandchildren and twelve great-grandchildren. They are grandson, Jason and Natasha Gdovin (Vestal, NY) and their children Hannah, Grace and Jacob; granddaughter, Adrienne and Stace Kintner (Vestal, NY) and their boys, Collin and Noah; granddaughter, Heather and David Sciano (Prosper, TX) and their children Alexis, Dominic and Vincent; and grandson, Matthew and Jennifer Gdovin (Summerfield, NC) and their children Cameron (San Francisco, CA), Cole (McKinney, TX), Ella and Emerson (Summerfield, NC). Maria is also survived by a caring brother, William and his wife Natalie (Grandville, MI); a special Goddaughter Lynda Branick Matys (Bowie, MD); a special nephew, Stephen and Elaine DuBrava (Johnson City, NY); and by several other nieces and nephews. Maria was predeceased by her parents, Andrew and Helen Plakos; her husband of 61-years Michael Holovka; a brother, Andrew Plakos and sisters, Anna DuBrava and Margaret Carroll. Maria was a wonderful mom, witty, kind and generous to all. She was always offering her food to residents and visitors at the nursing home, often saying, "What can I give you?" She loved baking and taught her daughter the do's and don'ts of making pie crust, paska, lekvar cake, kolachi, holupki and pirohis. She was a devout member of her church and never missed going to church on Sundays. Every week she climbed 36 steps to reach the choir loft to sing in the beautiful St. Michael's choir. She did this until she was 92 years old. A funeral service will be offered by Protopresbyter James Dutko on Monday, August 1st at 10am at St. Michael's Church, 292 Clinton Street, Binghamton. Burial will be in the parish cemetery. Protopresbyter Dutko will conduct a prayer service Sunday, July 31st at 7pm at the Chopyak-Scheider Funeral Home, 326 Prospect Street, Binghamton, where the family will receive friends Sunday, 4-7pm. In lieu of flowers, donations in Maria's name may be made to St. Michael's Church, 280 Clinton Street, Binghamton, NY 13905 or Elizabeth Church Manor, 863 Upper Front Street, Binghamton, NY 13905. A special thanks to the staff at Elizabeth Church Manor for their kindness to mom, with heartfelt thanks to Jose, Vickie, Sue, Dinah, and all other loving hearts that cared for Maria during her stay at the nursing home. O Lord, rest the soul of your departed servant Maria, where there is no pain nor sorrow but everlasting life. May her memory be eternal. Vicnaja Pamjat!