Mary Alice "Mattie" Susko

Mary Alice "Mattie" Susko, 76, of Washington, passed away peacefully Thursday, August 21, 2025, in Concordia Hospice of Washington, Donnell House.
She was born July 25, 1949, in Pittsburgh, daughter of the late Edward "Fred" Tomasik and Betty Jane Johnson Tomasik, and raised on a small farm in Glenfield overlooking the Ohio River, where she enjoyed growing up with her father's legendary zucchini, the company of many farm cats, and her beloved pet ducks, Quacky and Wacky.
Mattie was a 1967 graduate of Quaker Valley High School and received her Bachelor's Degree in Education from Slippery Rock State College. She later completed graduate work at California University of Pennsylvania, focusing on support for students with emotional needs.
For 36 years, she taught Social Studies at Trinity Middle School, where she was best known for her admiration of former president Theodore Roosevelt. Her enthusiasm for American history was rivaled only by her dedication to showing care and respect for all students regardless of their background or ability.
A true artist at heart, Mattie enjoyed many creative hobbies over the years, playing the piano, drawing, painting, gardening, crocheting, and knitting, among many other crafts. She was a prolific songwriter in her free time, inspired by her musical hero George Harrison. Her love of George and all things Beatles endured throughout her lifetime, although it could be said she reached her peak as a fan when she discovered she'd caught a splinter from the stage of the Civic Arena at their concert in 1964.
On November 22, 1989, she married Dave Susko, who preceded her in death on October 5, 2023. Their first date was a Steelers game, after she won tickets by calling into a radio contest to see who had the best duck call. Thanks to Quacky and Wacky, she was ready, bellowing "HERE, DUCK!!!" at top volume and instantly securing both the tickets and the boyfriend.
Surviving are a daughter, Rachel J. "RJ" Susko (Alex Wells) of Bridgeville; a brother, Thomas E. Tomasik (Margie Webb); a niece, Wendy Marticek (Ray) and nephew, Scott Tomasik (Cheri); and a brother-in-law, Mickey Susko (Joan) of Houston.
Friends will be received from 6 PM to 8 PM Monday in the McIlvaine-Speakman Funeral Home Ltd., Robert K.McIlvaine, Owner/Supervisor, 27 Cherry Ave., Houston, PA 15342. Interment will be private in the Washington Cemetery.