Mary Raybets

Mary J. (Ference) Raybets, widow of Sylvester Raybets (1975), and lifelong resident of New Kensington, will be celebrating her 98th birthday with family she has not seen for a long time, (two brothers, three sisters and a granddaughter). She was born Aug. 6, 1920, to the late Louis and Agetha (Smutch) Ference, in Jennerstown. Family was Mary's passion and delight. She is survived by her children, Lorraine (Andrew) Chesmark, Carolyn (Dennis) Choltco, James Raybets and Bonita Dougherty; eight grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren. Mary was a civilian employee of the Navy during World War II and went on to work as an associate in sales at Harts department store. She was a member of St. Mary's of Czestochowa Church and life member of the Christian Mothers. She served on many church committees, was treasurer of St. Vincent DePaul. She loved sharing her time, baked goods and beautiful roses. Family and friends are welcome from 5 to 8 p.m. Thursday at RJ SLATER IV FUNERAL HOME AND CREMATION SERVICE, 1000 Freeport Road, New Kensington, 724-335-0100, where prayers of transfer will be held at 9 a.m. Friday, followed by a funeral Mass at 9:30 a.m. in St. Mary's of Czestochowa Church with Father John Szczesny presiding. A private interment will follow. www.rjslater.com.