Obituary for Mary Ann Pyrak (Lapczenski)
PYRAK - Mary Ann (nee Lapczenski) Of Amherst, NY, November 12, 2022, at age 89. Beloved wife of Theodore J. Pyrak for 67 years; loving mother of Charles (Eileen) Pyrak, Arthur (Jane) Pyrak and Laura (David Nolte) Pyrak-Nolte; cherished grandmother of Phillip, Anne, Emma Rose, Matthew, Andrew, William and Nicholas; great-grandmother of Lucy; dear sister of the late Patricia (Alfred) Kukla, Paul (Catherine) Lapczenski and Suzanne (John) Troidl; also survived by nieces and nephews. Visitation at the KOLANO FUNERAL HOME, 396 Amherst St. (near Grant) Monday from 4-8PM. A Mass of Christian Burial will take place at Assumption Church, 435 Amherst St., Tuesday at 10AM. Please assemble at Church. Interment St. Stanislaus Cemetery. If desired, donations in Mary Ann's memory may be made to Assumption Church Preservation Fund. Mary Ann was a graduate of Nardin Academy (Salutatorian) and D'Youville College (magna cum laude) and was an avid golfer. Please share your online condolences @ www.KOLANOFUNERALHOME.com
Mary Ann Pyrak passed away unexpectedly on November 12th, 2022. Survived by her husband of 67 years Theodore, her three children Charles, Arthur, and Laura, grandchildren Phillip, Anne, Emma Rose, Matthew, Andrew, William, and Nicholas, and greatgrandchild Lucy, Mary Ann led a full life. Beyond her great devotion to family, Mary Ann was most recognized by her academic achievements, her life-long contributions to the greater community via volunteer work, and her setting an example for women striking a balance between work, home, and social life.
Early Years: Mary Ann attended Buffalo Public School 64 where she was recipient of the Jesse Ketchum Award and the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) Citizenship Award. She then attended Nardin Academy where she was class Salutatorian and earned a NYS college scholarship. Following high school, Mary Ann attended D’Youville College, majoring in math, and graduating magnum cum laude.
Mary Ann entered the workforce as a Dynamics Engineer at Bell Aircraft in Buffalo, performing calculations associated with the re-entry of rockets from space back to earth; a rarity for women at that point in time. After taking time off to raise her family, she re-entered the workforce, applying her math skills to the challenges associated with income tax matters, estate administration, and the financial administration of a large, profit-sharing plan.
At the time of her passing Mary Ann was a Director and the Corporate Secretary for Liston Manufacturing Inc—a manufacturer of babbitt-lined high speed bearings used by the petrochemical industry—roles she held for several decades. She was also the office manager of the Pyrak Law Firm and a member of the Supervisory Committee of the Cadets Federal Credit Union.
Community Contributions: Mary Ann was longtime member of the Advocates Club of Buffalo Auxiliary, to include having served as President, Vice President, and Treasurer. She was also a longtime member of the Canisius College Scholarship Associates to include roles as Financial Secretary and Treasurer. Mary Ann had also been President of the Assumption School Board and President of the Mother’s Club Association of the Assumption School. She was also active in the North District (21st Ward) Democratic Women’s Club serving on the Board of Directors and as recording secretary, the Women’s Division of Polish Union of America, and the Canisius High School Mother’s Club.
Recreation – Mary Ann, an avid reader, also found time to follow her golfing passion for years as a member of both the Tan Tara and Fox Valley country clubs, and in fact hit a hole-in-one in 2011, at the age of 78.
Mary Ann had a caring and loving personality which brought joy to all—friends and family alike—and she had a positive and lasting impact on the lives of many. She is dearly missed but will always be remembered.
Mary Ann Pyrak passed away unexpectedly on November 12th, 2022. Survived by her husband of 67 years Theodore, her three children Charles, Arthur, and Laura, grandchildren Phillip, Anne, Emma Rose, Matthew, Andrew, William, and Nicholas, and greatgrandchild Lucy, Mary Ann led a full life. Beyond her great devotion to family, Mary Ann was most recognized by her academic achievements, her life-long contributions to the greater community via volunteer work, and her setting an example for women striking a balance between work, home, and social life.
Early Years: Mary Ann attended Buffalo Public School 64 where she was recipient of the Jesse Ketchum Award and the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) Citizenship Award. She then attended Nardin Academy where she was class Salutatorian and earned a NYS college scholarship. Following high school, Mary Ann attended D’Youville College, majoring in math, and graduating magnum cum laude.
Mary Ann entered the workforce as a Dynamics Engineer at Bell Aircraft in Buffalo, performing calculations associated with the re-entry of rockets from space back to earth; a rarity for women at that point in time. After taking time off to raise her family, she re-entered the workforce, applying her math skills to the challenges associated with income tax matters, estate administration, and the financial administration of a large, profit-sharing plan.
At the time of her passing Mary Ann was a Director and the Corporate Secretary for Liston Manufacturing Inc—a manufacturer of babbitt-lined high speed bearings used by the petrochemical industry—roles she held for several decades. She was also the office manager of the Pyrak Law Firm and a member of the Supervisory Committee of the Cadets Federal Credit Union.
Community Contributions: Mary Ann was longtime member of the Advocates Club of Buffalo Auxiliary, to include having served as President, Vice President, and Treasurer. She was also a longtime member of the Canisius College Scholarship Associates to include roles as Financial Secretary and Treasurer. Mary Ann had also been President of the Assumption School Board and President of the Mother’s Club Association of the Assumption School. She was also active in the North District (21st Ward) Democratic Women’s Club serving on the Board of Directors and as recording secretary, the Women’s Division of Polish Union of America, and the Canisius High School Mother’s Club.
Recreation – Mary Ann, an avid reader, also found time to follow her golfing passion for years as a member of both the Tan Tara and Fox Valley country clubs, and in fact hit a hole-in-one in 2011, at the age of 78.
Mary Ann had a caring and loving personality which brought joy to all—friends and family alike—and she had a positive and lasting impact on the lives of many. She is dearly missed but will always be remembered.