Mary Hress

Mary Hress (nee Ball) age 93, of Lorain, passed away Sunday, January 07, 2018 at University Hospital St. John Medical Center in Westlake following a lengthy illness.
Born August 18, 1924 in Bayonne, New Jersey, she spent her early childhood in Manville, NJ. Then Mary's family settled back in Bayonne, NJ, where she graduated from Bayonne High School in 1942 and met and became the wife of Cantor George Hress. She sang as an alto in the choirs of St. John the Baptist Byzantine Catholic Church in Bayonne, NJ, St. Nicholas Byzantine Catholic Church in Youngstown, OH, and St. Mary's Byzantine Catholic Church in Mahanoy City, PA. Warm, caring, and generous, she volunteered in many capacities in the parishes to which she belonged, including as a librarian for Byzantine Catholic Central School in Youngstown, OH and at St. Nicholas Academy in Lorain, OH. Named after the Mother of God, Mary carried a devotion to the Blessed Mother her entire life and was a member of the Rosary Society.
Mary had a wonderful sense of humor and verve for life. She enjoyed golfing, fishing and bowling. An avid crafter, she participated in multiple craft shows and shared the ribbon crosses that were her specialty with those who crossed her path. During World War II, Mary worked in the shipyards of Bayonne, NJ as a "Rosie Riveter". She also worked at Eagle Brothers Shirt Makers in Mahanoy City, PA.
Mary was a member of St. Nicholas Byzantine Catholic Church, Lorain, where she worked bingo and in the kitchen and was a member of the Rosary Society. She was also a member of the Oberlin Music Union.
Mary showered her family with love and support. Whenever a family member said "I love you", she would say "I love you more". Surviving are her children, Adrienne (Robert) Terleck of Lorain, Ilone Hress of Madison, NJ and Jonathan (Charles Eader) Hress of Bridgewater, NJ; granddaughter, Daria (Arsen) Kitch and great grandchildren, Nadia Kitch and Roman Kitch.
She was preceded in death by her husband of 38 years, Cantor George in 1989; parents, Stephan and Anne (nee Barna) Ball; a sister, Anna Ball; and brothers, Stephan, John, Charles and Michael Ball.
The family will receive friends on Thursday from 4:00 - 7:00 pm in the Dovin Funeral and Cremation Specialists, 2701 Elyria Avenue, Lorain, with Parastas at 5:00 pm followed by a rosary. Panachida will be Friday at 9:30 am in the funeral home followed by Divine Liturgy at 10:00 am at St. Nicholas Byzantine Catholic Church, 2711 W. 40th Street, Lorain. The Very Rev. Nicholas R. A. Rachford J.C.L., pastor will officiate. Burial will take place in Sacred Heart Cemetery in Manville, New Jersey on Monday.
Contributions in memory of Mary can be made St. Nicholas Byzantine Catholic Church, 2711 W. 40th Street, Lorain, OH 44052.