MARY B KOSTECKI

Mary B. Kostecki, 96 a long time resident of rural Devils Lake, ND passed away on Thursday, July 9, 2015 at Altru Hospital, Grand Forks, ND. Mary Bernadine, daughter of Joseph and Mary (Bashago) Ogorzalek was born on March 21, 1919 in Lansford, PA. She grew up in Lansford and Poland when the family left to visit family there, returning to Pennsylvania before the start of World War II. She later worked for Saint Anthony’s Rectory and Saint Peter and Paul’s Church in Jersey City, New Jersey as a housekeeper. They gave her the nickname of “The Long Stem Rose”. Mary also belonged to Polish Youth Alliance and wrote many articles for their magazine. Mary B. Ogorzalek was united in marriage to Mieciu “Matt” Kostecki on January 7, 1950 at Irvington, New Jersey. They lived in Pennsylvania for about a year, then Matt brought his family back to North Dakota where they farmed through the years. They were also the owners and operators of Universal Electronics for many years, retiring in 1993. Mary’s hobbies were, she loved gardening, flowers, crocheting, knitting and cooking. Mary is survived by her husband of 65 years, Mieciu “Matt” of Devils Lake; her beloved children Joseph Kostecki and Barbara Kostecki also of Devils Lake; sisters Anna Ogorzalek and Florence (Al) Paskewicz all of Lansford, PA; many nieces and nephews also survive. She was preceded in death by her parents. Mass of the Resurrection will be held on Tuesday, July 14, 2015 at 10:00 a.m. at St. Joseph Catholic Church with burial in the St. Joseph’s Catholic Cemetery. Visitation will be held at the Gilbertson Funeral Home, Devils Lake on Monday from 4:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. and on Tuesday at the church one hour prior to the funeral Mass.