Mary Lisovsky

Mary Lisovsky, whose name is synonymous with fundraising and goodwill, age 101 and a lifelong citizen of Garfield, NJ, passed at home on January 29th, 2024.  Mary was one of five children born to Anna and William Petronchak, owners of a butcher shop on Van Winkle Avenue in Garfield in the early 1900’s.Mary met her late husband, Andrew, through the art of rollerskating. They became skating partners doing graceful, precise, and beautiful dance routines becoming State and National

Champions and were on the covers of many roller skating magazines.  Mary and Andrew continued their skating careers as Pros at the Paramus Roller Skating Rink for 32 years producing many champions and choreographing award winning group exhibitions.  They were inducted into the Roller Skating Museum in Lincoln, Nebraska. They closed out their skating career with five years at the Wallington Skating Arena.

Mary also became the President of the Garfield VFW Women’s Auxiliary through her late brother Steve’s service  to our country.  She embraced the role and was a true leader, guiding the ladies through community service, tricky trays, and rituals for the members past, and faithfully supporting the post.  She endlessly served by decorating a patriotic Christmas tree every year, creating floral designs, and was always available to help the cause.  She received a “2007 Patriot of the Year Award”  acknowledged by the City of Garfield with a resolution presented by the Mayor. 

Mary had attended many Garfield City Council meetings and events genuinely supporting those who serve their community and calling out those who appear to her to be misguided.  She was also a member of the Garfield Women’s Club and Holy Name Seniors.  Mary loved marching in all the Memorial Day parades which she thought was held in honor of her birthday.

Mary’s spiritual life began as a young girl using her many talents to serve and clean her beloved Three Saints Russian Orthodox Church.  Mary still cleaned the church until she was 95 years old and supported it by becoming the President of the Mother’s and Women’s Club , running pierogi making, organizing picnics and garage sales, enjoying successful Chinese auctions, doing arts and craft sales, and numerous other services and fundraisers.

Mary was a dedicated and passionate committee member, a warm and gracious greeter to all who entered the church, candle counter person, floral designer, janitor, and all around Goodwill Ambassador to the Three Saints Church community.

Mary was a compassionate citizen whose far-reaching efforts enriched everything she embraced.  Memory Eternal, Vichnaya Pamyat!

Mary is survived by her daughters Diane Fiske,  Debra Lisovsky, and Donna Miller, and many nieces, nephews, and their children.  She is predeceased by her husband, Andrew Lisovsky,  her parents, William and Anna Petronchak, and siblings Steve Petronchak, Joe Petronchak, Helen Bishop (Fred), and Barbara Martone (Daniel).

Funeral services by Kugler Funeral Home 311 5th St., Saddle Brook, NJ (KuglerFuneralHome.com).  Visiting hours will be at Three Saints Russian Orthodox Church 474 Outwater Lane Garfield, NJ on Wednesday, January 31st, 2024 from 4 to 8 PM with Parastas services at 7 PM.  Funeral service in Church on Thursday, February 1st, 2024 at 10 AM.  Burial in George Washington Memorial Park Cemetery in Paramus. 

Donations in Mary’s memory can be made to the Three Saints Orthodox Church of Garfield,  or Valley Hospice 15 Essex Rd., Suite 301, Paramus, NJ 07652.