HAPPY 100TH BIRTHDAY! Mary Opalka
Born: April 11, 1902, in the Ukraine. She came to the United States with her parents at the age of 8 and settled in Girard.
Residence: Lives in Niles.
Husband: Married Onufry Opalka on Feb. 9, 1918; he is deceased.
Children: Ann Prytash of Girard, and Olga Gallite and Theodore and Lena Opalka, all of Warren.
Grandchildren: 12.
Great-grandchildren: 25.
Great-great-grandchildren: Nine.
Memberships: She is the oldest member of Sts. Peter and Paul Ukrainian Orthodox Church in Youngstown, where she was involved with many fund-raising projects and served as president of the church's Sisterhood.
Interests: Gardening, bingo and an upcoming trip to Las Vegas.
Celebrations: Was honored with breakfast at Bob Evans on her birthday as well as visits from friends and neighbors, including Niles Mayor Ralph Infante, who presented her with flowers and a proclamation declaring April 11, 2002, as "Mary Opalka Day." She also was honored at a dinner party April 13 at Alberini's Restaurant in Niles, where her children served as hosts, and received a blessing April 14 from the Rev. Charles Baxter at her church. A tree was blessed and planted in her honor on the church grounds, and afterward the church parishioners held a dinner in her honor, which featured presentations by the Junior U.O.L. of the church.