Matushka Mary Klemash Dirga, 99, of Williamsport, PA fell asleep in the Lord on August 8, 2018 at UPMC Susquehanna Williamsport Regional Medical Center. She was born on May 14, 1919 in Yonkers, NY and was the daughter of Peter and Julia Moroz Klemash.
Matushka Mary was the beloved wife of the late Archpriest Michael Dirga. She was a member of Holy Cross Church, Wiliamsport, PA and was a member of the American Legion Auxiliary.
Father Michael and Matushka Mary were the first married couple to enter Saint Tikhon’s Seminary, South Canaan, PA with a family. They spent their summers working at local camps to be able to pay for their seminary education. During their many years of devoted ministry, the Dirgas served parishes in Pennsylvania, New York, West Virginia, Wisconsin, Connecticut and Michigan. At the time of Father Michael’s repose in December 1987, they had been assigned to Saint Nicholas Church, Fort Lauderdale, FL.
Matushka Mary was a dedicated homemaker and helpmate, always putting others before herself. She taught Sunday School, was a Girl Scout leader and was an avid baker. After being widowed, she remained in Florida for almost 30 years. She served as a volunteer at the Sun City Center Emergency Squad and tutored at a local elementary school. She was one of the original members of the Saomt Mark Church, Bradenton, FL.
Matushka Mary was predeceased by her parents and sisters Helen Klemash and Anne Azzolino. She is survived by her son, Peter M. Dirga of Delaware; daughter, Diane D. Pelesh, widow of the late Archpriest Gregory Pelesh (Air Force Chaplain, Colonel retired), Williamsport, PA; grandchildren, Daria [Brent] Fish of Williamsport, PA and Gregory [Jennifer] Pelesh of Tampa, FL; and great-grandchildren, Andrew, Ryan, Connor and Tyler.
Funeral Services will be celebrated at Saint Tikhon’s Monastery at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, August 14, 2018. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the funeral. Interment will be in Saint Tikhon’s Monastery Cemetery with a repast to follow.
Memorial donations may be made in Matushka Mary’s name to Holy Cross Church, 1725 Holy Cross Lane, Williamsport, PA 17701.
May Matushka Mary’s memory be eternal!