Mary Jane Aponasewicz

Mary Jane Aponasewicz, formerly of Charleroi, passed away on July 7, 2025 in Bonita Springs, Florida where she had lived since moving there to be closer to family.  She was 96.

Mary Jane, who was born and raised in Charleroi, was thought of as the “Mom of Oakland Avenue.” As a mother of four whose children were separated by 15 years, Mary Jane spent two decades as ringmaster, referee, and traffic cop to her children, their array of friends and classmates, and the neighborhood kids who were in and out of her house.

Despite the constant revelry, teenage drama, and a menagerie of pets ranging from cats to iguanas, Mary Jane never lost her sense of humor or calm demeaner. It helped that she was fueled by a coffee, chocolate, bingo, and the support of the love of her life, the late John Aponasewicz who died in 2017.

In the face of life’s challenges, Mary Jane drew on her Catholic faith and Irish sensibilities. Throughout her life Mary Jane was a member of the former Saint Jerome Parish, now Saint Andrew the Apostle, where she was active with the Ancient Order of Hibernians, a women’s group for those of Irish descent, and where for many years she volunteered at the former Saint Jerome School.

Mary Jane was the daughter of James and Della (Stone) Oates. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by two sons, Robert and Michael; two brothers, James and Robert; and her son-in-law Frank Zencuch

She is survived by two daughters, Kathi Zencuch, of Bonita Springs, Fla., and MaryJean (Chuck) Rusak-Lupariello, of Sewickley; daughter-in-law Diane Moody Rusak, of Charleroi, sister-in-law Joanne Oates, of Bonita Springs, Fla.; grandchildren, Jason (Teresa) Zencuch, Adam (Christina) Zencuch, and Daniel, Julia, and Matthew Lupariello, and Michael Rusak; great-grandchildren Jackie, Katie, and Izzy Zencuch, and Christopher and Victoria Zencuch.

Mass will be said at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, July 19, 2025, at Saint Andrew the Apostle Parish – Charleroi Site, 624 Washington Avenue, Charleroi with Rev. Levi Hartle officiating. Interment will follow at Mt. Calvary Cemetery. The arrangements are by Hogan-Melenyzer Funeral Home & Cremation Services Inc., 226 Fallowfield Ave., Charleroi, PA 15022. Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.hogan-melenyzer.com

The family suggests contributions to: Saint Jerome School Renovation Fund, 624 Washington Avenue, Charleroi, PA 15022.

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