Mary Elizabeth Jirka

Mary Elizabeth Jirka, born to Frances H. and Anthony Nebbioso on January 19, 1933, of late

from Ithaca, NY, passed away from congestive heart failure November 12, 2025. Pre-deceased

by her parents, husband of 47 years, James R. Jirka, and brother Anthony D. Nebbioso.

Survived by sisters Jeannie Schwartz and Clara Parker, sister-in-law Georgia Wilson, sons

James (Tracy) Jirka and Kurt (Barbara Knuth) Jirka, daughters Terri (Val) Deschaine and

Stephanie Thomas, grandchildren Brian Jirka, Peter (Layla) Jirka, Caroline Jirka, Catey Jirka,

and Kelly (Matt) Gingrich, great grandchildren Troye, Liam, Jadynn, Hudson, and Ryan,

nephews Mark, Raymond, Michael, Shai, and Tom, and nieces Anita and Michelle. 

Mary grew up in Columbus, OH, and graduated high school from St. Mary of the Springs Academy,

attended Office Training School following graduation, and worked as a secretary for the

Jennings-Lawrence Company until marriage. Mary met her future husband Jim at a mixer at the

Air Force base in Columbus, and they were married in February 1956. Mary and Jim started a

family, first living in Cleveland, OH, then moving to Levittown, NY, Hauppauge, NY, and

Plantation, FL. Once her children had grown, Mary held jobs in retail sales and then as a realtor.

Upon retiring, Mary, Jim, and their daughter Stephanie moved to the Lewisburg, WV area. After

37 years in WV, Mary moved to Ithaca, NY to be closer to her son Kurt, where she lived the rest

of her days. Mary loved doing crafts, including sewing, crocheting, ceramics, and creating

whimsical stuffed animals, which she sold at local craft shows in WV. She also loved to cook

and feed family and friends to their content. Her barbecue ribs, stuffed shells, and meatballs

were family favorites. In retirement, Mary was active in volunteer work, belonging to multiple

local civic groups and assisting patients, visitors, and staff at Greenbrier Valley Medical Center.

Mary’s greatest love was her family. She was at her happiest in the presence of her children,

grandchildren, great grandchildren, her sister Jeannie and her sons, and her sister-in-law

Georgia. Mary also had the fortune of many great friends over the years, made during her times

in Hauppauge, Plantation, and Lewisburg. Mary’s family will miss her sharp wit, her sense of

humor, and most of all her unwavering love for us all.