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Century mark
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Zivchak (left) was in a happy mood on her big birthday, and as friends and family bounced to the music, Zivchak danced and clapped along.
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Zivchak kept her family nearby during the festivities, celebrating with her nieces Carol Bertnick (left) and Jeanne Plakosh.
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Mary Zivchak (right) has been involved in the Slovak Catholic Sokols Wreath 54, a club that honors her Slovak heritage, for many years. For Zivchak's 100th birthday, club representative Edie Babik (left) offered a thank you for her long service to the organization.
By SARAH FOOR
Local resident Mary Zivchak has spent all but eight of her 100 years of life in Youngstown and the Mahoning Valley. To honor her long life in the area, her care facility, Beeghly Oaks in Boardman, celebrated her March 31 birthday with a party.
The party began with the rolling out of the red carpet, and Zivchak was welcomed into the facility’s activity room with applause and a rousing rendition of “Happy Birthday” from her friends and family.
Zivchak, who was born March 31, 1911, moved with her family to Youngstown in 1919. She was part of the first graduating class at St. Matthias Church in Youngstown, and has remained a member of the church for more than 90 years. Along with her involvement in church activities, she honors her Slovak heritage as member of the Slovak Catholic Sokols Wreath 54.
Zivchak’s celebration honored her interests by inviting her friends, the St. Mathias Choir, to sing at the event, and a meal of pierogies, kielbasa, quiche and various Slovak desserts.
Zivchak’s niece, Jeanne Plakosh, came to celebrate with her aunt.
“She truly is like a mother to me. She’s loyal and hardworking, and taught me the importance of remembering our heritage and the strength of family.”
Flo Pasquale, a volunteer at Beeghly Oaks and longtime friend of Zivchak’s, had similar warm words for the birthday girl.
“Mary has a pure heart of gold. She’s taught me so much during our friendship, but above all else, she taught me to always keep on giving,” Pasquale shared.
At the celebration, Zivchak danced along to the music provided by the Frank Gallo Trio, as was surprised with many gifts from longtime friends. She received a wonderful surprise when she was handed a $100 check and a certificate of appreciation from the headquarters of the Slovak Catholic Sokol Wreath for her many years of service.
“There are many reasons for her longevity,” reflected Plakosh on her aunt, “but I would say a life of hard work, always honoring God, has a lot to do with the gift of her long life.”