Mary Kulha

Mary Catherine Tassoney Kulha died peacefully in the company of her Texas family and caregivers on October 3, 2024. Mary fought dementia for nearly 4 years until her body failed and the Lord called her home. As Fr. David completed the Last Rites of the Catholic church, Mary took her last breath.

Mary was born on January 23, 1929, in McKeesport, PA to Ricky (Rocco) Tassoney and Catherine Barbara (Gilmore) Tassoney. Mary grew up in the Christy Park area of McKeesport, PA. She attended the 11th Ward Elementary school, and then graduated from George Washington High School in 1946.

Mary worked at Balsamo’s and then as an executive secretary at the Potter McCune Company (POMCO). Mary met Michael Augustine Kulha at a dance and their romance began. They were married on November 23, 1950, at St. Peter’s Catholic church in McKeesport. The reception, held at the Tassoney house, was always remembered since it snowed a record 33 inches the next day.

Mary and Mike lived between McKeesport and Bethel Park until 1957 when they bought a house adjacent to the new Bethel Park High School. Mike taught at this school and Mary supported him at many events. She enjoyed telling everyone that she had a date to over 30 proms. Mary was active in the Bethel Park Welcome Wagon and Newcomers Club, and at St. Valentine’s Church in the Christian Mothers and Women’s Guild and the Legion of Mary. At St. Valentine’s, Mary helped with the card parties, holiday events and dinners, fund raisers and school events. At the age of 50, Mary and a few friends began yoga classes. She continued this activity daily even as her body weakened. Mary and Mike were regulars at the Elks Club and VFW for weekly dances, dinners and parties and found time to travel on over 30 cruises. She was Mike’s constant companion and caregiver at home while Mike slowly was overtaken by Alzheimer’s disease. During this time, Mary survived breast cancer and then volunteered with cancer support groups. She visited Mike daily at Country Meadows in Bridgeville, PA and even after his passing in August 2009, she continued to visit and support his community until retiring in 2011.

Mary moved to Sugar Land, TX in May 2015 to be closer to her family. At the Brookdale Independent Living Community, she thrived in her new life. Mary acted, sang and danced in plays and musicals, helped with holiday events, and participated in all activities. In December 2020, the effects of dementia caused Mary to move to the Sugar Land Brookdale Memory Care Community. She remained as active as her mind and body would allow and continued her role as entertainer (“Queen Mary”) to her resident friends, staff and caregivers.

Mary was predeceased by her parents and brothers Arthur (Mary), Rickey (Mary Lou) and Joseph (Betty). Mary is survived by her son John (Sue) and daughter Barbara Watterson. Mary (affectionately known as Nanny and Gigi) loved her three grandchildren, Colin (Linda), Katherine (Kristen), and Andrew (Shay) and her three great grandchildren Reedy, Jack and Clark Kulha. Mary also has several nieces and nephews. She loved her family and wanted them to always remember the happiness, the life lessons and the great foods (“mangia!”) she gave to them.

Mary’s local memorial was held at Sugar Land Mortuary on October 6th. On October 25, 2024, at the Paul Henney Cremation and Funeral Tributes, Inc. in Bethel Park, PA, visitation will be from 9:00 to 10:00 am and a memorial service will follow at 10:00 am. At 11:00 am, there will be a final service at the National Cemetery of the Alleghenies, Bridgeville, PA. In lieu of flowers, you may honor Mary with a contribution to the Our Lady of Hope Parish Women’s Guild (St. Valentine’s), 7003 Baptist Road, Bethel Park, PA, 15102. Her other request was that you share some time with those suffering from dementia or donate to a dementia and Alzheimer’s charity. Mary and her family thank the staff at Brookdale Sugar Land, her caregiver family of Sandra, Carol, Chelsey, Jackie and Grace along with others, Vernita Metoyer Roundtable Consulting and Fairmont Hospice for keeping her healthy and active. Dance eternally, Mary Catherine, Mom, Nanny, Gigi!

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