Mary Gross

Mary Ann Gross, 75, of Marshall Township, passed away peacefully on July 25, 2013 at her daughter's home, surrounded by her children and family. The youngest daughter of Mike and Anna (Kavage) Padezanin she was born at home in Conway, PA in September 1937. Raised in Conway, she graduated from Freedom High School, and remained an active member of the 1955 class reunion. It was at a driving range that her parents owned near Wexford that Mary Ann met her future husband Alvin C. "Skip" Gross, Jr., who she married upon his graduation from the United States Naval Academy. For the next twenty years, as the wife of a Naval aviator, Mary Ann lived an adventurous life while mastering the challenges of regularly moving someplace new while lovingly raising a family. She returned to her roots in Western Pennsylvania in 1978 and together with Skip built a home within a stone's throw of one he lived in as a boy.In that home Mary Ann made sure everyone was warmly welcomed and enjoyed themselves - the grandest expression of that being the annual Independence Day party that brought people from far and wide - and celebrated not only the nations' birth date - but that of her mother, an immigrant from Eastern Europe, born on the 4th of July. Mary Ann was preceded in death by her husband Skip; an infant son, William James; her parents; her sister, Mildred "Mitzi" Sarach, and brother George Padezanin. She is survived by her children and their spouses: Tom and Debbie of Crestwood, KY; Michele and John Larson of Valley Forge, PA; John and Mayten of Redmond, WA; and Paul and Amy of Ingomar, PA. She also leaves behind grandchildren Kristin, Lauren, Alexandra, Katherine, Mahalin, Cameron, Nathaniel, Alina, and Mara; numerous nieces, nephews and cousins; and the close group of friends from the Navy we consider family. Mary Ann will be inurned at Arlington National Cemetery with Skip and William with a celebration of her life to follow. Details will be shared with friends and family when available. Mary Ann brought family and friends together in life through the strength of her spirit. And while all mourn her passing we hope that her spirit will continue to bring a smile whenever you come together to celebrate.

Mary Gross

September 14, 1937 - July 25, 2013