Mary Regan Mihalik

Mary Regan Mihalik, 89, beloved wife, mother and grandmother, died Monday in Arlington, Va., after living a long, beautiful and happy life. She was preceded in death by her husband, Vincent Mihalik, to whom she was married for more than 53 years. They were married at Holy Cross Church in 1957.

Born in Scranton on Oct. 3, 1929, Mary was the daughter of the late Joseph and Frances O'Connor Regan. She was a member of St. Patrick's Church in West Scranton, attended St. Ann's and St. John's Elementary schools, and graduated from St. Patrick's High School in 1947, where she was voted most likely to succeed by her classmates. She was passionate about education and committed to ensuring her children were educated in Catholic schools.

Mary was known for her lifelong love of animals and enthusiastic support for the Boston Red Sox. She loved to tell the story of how she pitched to her brothers as a young girl and listened to baseball games on the radio with her father. Mary and Vince watched baseball every evening during the season and were fortunate to have celebrated two World Series wins together. Mary was also known for her wit and spelling abilities, having participated in a legendary spelling bee at the West Scranton theatre. She continued her passion for spelling and word searches her entire life.

She is survived by her daughter, Theresa M. Mihalik, and her son, Vincent Edward Mihalik III and his wife, Ann Sheridan Mihalik, all of Virginia. She was blessed with three grandchildren, Hannah, Vincent and Sarah Mihalik; and numerous nieces and nephews. Also surviving are two brothers, Joseph Regan, Columbus, Ohio; and John Regan, Clarks Summit; and a sister, Ann Regan, Scranton.

She was preceded in death by her sister, Frances Regan.

The funeral will be conducted Saturday with a Mass of Christian Burial to be celebrated at 9 a.m. in the Immaculate Heart of Mary Chapel, 1605 Oram St., Scranton. The family will receive friends and relatives on Friday from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Frank M. Regan Funeral Home, 715 Linden St., Scranton. Interment, Cathedral Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to your local assisted living organization, or Senior Living organizations.