Mary Ann Sowa

AVOCA-Mary Ann Sowa, 69, of Packer Street, Avoca, departed this world on Saturday, March 1, 2008, after an untimely medical battle. Mary Ann was one of the world's most imaginative, strong-willed, hard-working and beautiful women. She was a proud mother, wife, grandmother, aunt and great aunt. Mary is survived by her husband and partner of almost 50 years, Mr. Joseph Sowa, Jr. (who served America during the Korean War); as well as her loving daughter, and only child, Mary Theresa (Treesea) McCloskey Sowa, who is proud to have given Mary Ann her only grandchild, Hope McCloskey Sowa. She is also survived by her loving sister, Teresa Marie Pollard (a second mother to Mary Ann's daughter); brothers Michael, Donald, Edward and Martin George; many sisters and brothers-in-law. In addition, Mary Ann was a proud aunt of MANY wonderful nieces, nephews and cousins. (God Bless the Irish, Scottish and Polish) She was preceded in death by her parents, Mrs. Mildred and Mr. David "Muckeye/Pumpkin" George; sibling David George (taken from us as a child), Joseph and Thomas George. Mary Ann Sowa was a highly regarded graduate of Avoca High School. Though she spent a majority of her life as an above-average housewife, mother and caretaker of Hope, Mary Ann spent many years in retail, clothing design and inside the printing business. Mary Ann was also grateful to many of her neighbors (Thank you Sandy and Gary). She will be missed by her Bingo friends. At her request, there will be no services. Instead she wishes that donations be made to Hospice Community Care of Dunmore, The American Cancer Society or any Humane Society/SPCA. Kniffen O'Malley Funeral Home, Inc., 728 Main Street, Avoca, is in charge of arrangements. Send condolences at www.BestLifeTributes.com. To My Mommy from Treesea: Your humor and selflessness gave me the power to be open-minded, and to never judge any on person by first impression. The dedication to your husband (my Daddy) and family granted me the power to get up, brush myself off, no matter what challenges life brought me, then proceed with determination. Your wit, your kindness, YOU, in every way, made me the person I am today. To that I promise to pass what you taught me on to Hope and any grandchildren to follow. Already, AlreadyÂ…I miss you Mommy. But, you will always be a part of me. ALWAYS. Mary Ann (George-Clifford) Sowa was, and is, a person I am proud to call Mom. And from Daddy, "That's my girl! I love you!" Peacefully rest and know WE WILL LOVE YOU FOREVER!