Mary Margaret Stefanik

1964 - 2022

STEFANIK, Mary Margaret, November 26, 1964 to January 19, 2022

In the care of Bliley's Funeral Home, Augusta Avenue, Richmond, Va.

It is with great sadness that the Stefanik family announces the passing of our beloved and treasured Mary after a courageous fight against a neurodegenerative disease. Mary resided at Spring Arbor Cottages at the time of her death.

Mary was born in Youngstown, Ohio to Margaret Horvath (Mayernik) and the late Arthur Horvath. Mary leaves behind her husband of 23 years, Dr. Peter James Stefanik; and her loving children, Emma Catherine Stefanik and Sullivan James Stefanik; and her devoted canine companion, Rosie, of Richmond, Va. Mary is survived by her brother, Dr. Tom Horvath and his wife, Claudia of La Jolla, Calif.; Janet Wilson and her husband, Glenn of Normal, Ill. and Dr. Kathleen Horvath and partner, Crystal Daprile, of Cleveland, Ohio. Mary was a loving and supportive aunt to her nephews, Quinn Wilson of Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, Greg Horvath and wife, Liesbet Olaerts of Truckee, Calif.; and niece, Lydia Wilson Tobin and husband, Andrew of Normal, Ill. Mary is survived by numerous aunts and uncles who loved her dearly.

Mary graduated from Canfield High School in Ohio and continued her education at Youngstown State University, graduating with a Bachelor of Arts Degree. Her education continued at VCU in Richmond where Mary was awarded a Master of Science degree in exercise physiology. Through the American College of Sports Medicine Mary was conferred the title of ACSM Health Fitness Instructor. Later in her career Mary was certified as a Health Promotions Instructor.

For several years Mary was the director of Ethyl Corporation's health and fitness center. Mary used her considerable organizational and networking skills to plan/direct and participate in Richmond's Executive Corporate Games for several years. Mary left Ethyl Corporation to form a fitness training business with her longtime friend, Mark Burnside, called Marimarc Fitness. With the arrival of her daughter, Emma; and then Sully, Mary happily elected to stay home to devote herself fully to her role of Mom.

Those who knew Mary were aware that Mary was a farmgirl at heart. She loved nothing better than to spend the day outside getting her hands in the soil planting her garden and then harvesting from that garden to prepare healthy meals for family and friends. You can see from her education and professional career choices that a healthy lifestyle through diet, exercise and social relationships with family and friends were of prime importance to Mary as she knew that they were fundamental to health and happiness. Mary was politically active and an advocate for those in need. She was truly one that talked the talk but also walked the walk.

Mary loved her family with unconditional love. She loved being a mom and, with an eye for art and beauty, she encouraged her children in their pursuits of dance with Emma and music with Sully, and created a home that was beautiful, warm and nurturing. Mary was devoted to Emma and Sully and to Peter and is missed tremendously.

A memorial service is scheduled for Saturday, May 21 at 11 a.m. at River Road Presbyterian Church, 8960 River Road, Richmond, Va. The Mary Horvath Stefanik Endowed Scholarship at VCU has been established. Please consider supporting the scholarship which will assist students in their study of health promotion.

The link for the Mary Horvath Stefanik Endowed Scholarship: https://www.support.vcu.edu/give/fund?fund=230561. All donations provided through this link will be directed to the endowed scholarship fund.

Memorial contributions be made to VCU Foundation/Mary Horvath Stefanik Endowed Scholarship. Please make a tribute gift online or send gifts to VCU Office of Development, Box 843042, Richmond, Va. 23284.

The family would like to thank Legacy Hospice for the compassionate care that was provided for Mary.

There is no remedy for love but to love more.

-Henry David Thoreau