Mary Pierzchala

August 15, 1945 — December 3, 2023

Mary Pierzchala passed away in her home at age 78. She was born Aug. 15, 1945 to Anthony and Hellen Cappabianco in Pittsburgh, Pa. The Cappabianco family moved to Orlando, Fla., when she was very little, where she spent her formative years.

After Mary graduated from Maynard Evans High School in 1964, she met and married Valentine Pierzchala. Mary and Val moved to Oak Harbor 1965, and then returned to Oak Harbor in 1976 after being stationed in California.

Mary loved her country and the church; she served both God and country with a fervency and level of commitment we should all aspire to. Mary worked for the Navy as a civil servant for 25-plus years, retiring from the supply department as a supervisor. Mary’s highest award was a Navy Meritorious Civilian Service Award.

Mary started attending St. Augustine’s in the early 80s. She was the sacristan for nearly 20 years. She continued to serve at St. Augustine’s in other capacities until her health prevented her from attending in person. Mary had a tremendous love of animals, especially horses and dogs. She spent many years grooming, breeding and showing dogs, particularly miniature schnauzers. She also had a creative flair with a penchant for ceramics.

She took great pride in her work, whether it was pet grooming, for the Navy or for the church community. She will be greatly missed by many.

Mary was preceded in death by her parents, her brother Dominic “Sonny” Cappabianco, her ex-husband Val, her grandson Mitchell, her parrot Pheniox and a multitude of dogs. She is survived by her three boys: James, Michael and Matthew, as well as six grandchildren and two great-granddaughters.

A celebration of life will be held at Wallin Stucky Funeral Home in Oak Harbor Dec. 27 at 1 p.m. Please send donations to WAIF in lieu of flowers.