Tributes

Mary Elizabeth Mihalko, aged 89, passed away on August 21, 2020 after an extended illness with dementia. She was born on June 22, 1931 to Frank and Emily Vajdos in Karnes City, TX. She graduated from Karnes City High School in 1949. She was employed as a governess in San Antonio after graduating and it was there that she met Ed Mihalko, “the best polka dancer ever” in May, 1952. They married on November 8, 1952, less than 6 months later. With Ed being in the Air Force, they lived in numerous locations, including Texas, Illinois, Nebraska, Germany and Iran. During this time, their family grew to 6 children. Mary is survived by her children: Sharon (Greg) Doramus, Linda (Bill) Heathcott, Tom (Julie) Mihalko, Diane (Bill) Breffeilh, Valerie (Dave) Heise, Ed (Roxane) Mihalko, 21 grandchildren, 31 great-grandchildren, 4 great-great-grandchildren, 5 brothers, 1 sister, and numerous nieces and nephews. Mary was preceded in death by her loving husband of 54 years in 2007. Mary had many interests in life. In her youth, she loved to sew her own clothes, which she likely wore to the many dances she attended as a young woman. She loved to dance, especially the polka. It was at one of these dances she met “Eddie” and she thought he was a great polka dancer, and thus began their lifelong romance! Another interest was crocheting and “Mammaw” would spend many hours creating afghans for each of her children and grandchildren. Mary also loved gardening and had 10 green thumbs! She was especially proud of her tomato and cucumber plants and gladly shared with her friends and neighbors. Mary was a prize baker, winning many awards at church functions for her delicious desserts. Mary always tried to stay active, often with Ed, and continuing alone after he passed. Even as she aged, she would always go walking at the base walking trails with her little dog, Sisco. When Mary was younger, she loved bowling and she and dad were in a league together for many years. After Dad retired from the military and changed careers, they took up golf and would go 2-3 times a week. Weekends would be spent playing games such as pinochle and dominoes or attending dances with friends and family at the Martinez Social Club. Mary kept busy after the children grew up by working at Cloth World for several years and later as secretary at Dad’s law office. She also was a member of the St. Vincent de Paul Altar Society and volunteered at the parish’s Friendship House. SERVICES A viewing will be held at the Mission Park Funeral Chapels North, 3401 Cherry Ridge Drive, San Antonio, on Wednesday, September 2, 2020 from 5-6 p.m. for family and 6-8 p.m. for relatives and friends, limited to 45 at a time (please wear your mask). A rosary will be said at St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church Hall, 4222 SW Loop 410, San Antonio, on Thursday, September 3, 2020 at 12:30 p.m., followed by a funeral mass at 1:00 p.m. A private, family burial will be at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery at 2:30 p.m., and is limited to 25 people. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to Friendship House, the Alzheimer’s Association, or a charity of your choice. *We wish to thank Blue Skies of Texas West, Freedom House, for their exceptional care, comfort and love for our mother. The nurses and aides were so loving, sweet, and genuinely concerned about Mary and we totally appreciate them. We wish to give special hugs and love to Olivia in phase 2 and Stacy in phase 3. You ladies are phenomenal in your care and love of your patients. **Available Livestream by Facebook Live. Please contact Diane Breffeilh at 256-457-3430 by text or phone.

Tributes

Mary Elizabeth Vajdos Mihalko

June 22, 1931 - August 21, 2020