Mary Grace Loretta Horak

On Sunday, January 2, 2022, of Ellicott City, MD, Mary Grace Horak (nee Buccheri) 87, loving wife of Waldimar Horak, Jr.; devoted mother of Patricia Goldberg (Joseph), and Deborah Shipley (Robert); treasured grandmother of Eric Shipley (Michelle); cherished sister-in-law, aunt and friend to countless others.

Mary was first generation American, born in Baltimore in 1934 to Italian immigrants.  The youngest of nine children, she grew up in a close knit family all of whom she loved immensely and missed terribly once they were gone.  We can only imagine the welcome she received when reunited with them!

Mary was loving and generous with her time.  While working full time at the State Assessment Office in Howard County, she worked tirelessly with the American Cancer Society, raising money by organizing a spring and fall dance for many years.  She helped to form a Court of the Catholic Daughters of the Americas in her parish, Our Lady of Perpetual Help in Ilchester, MD, becoming the Regent of that Court, and eventually becoming a Regent at the State level.  As such, she was able to share the mission and values of The Catholic Daughters throughout both Maryland and the United States.  In her retirement, she continued her fundraising efforts with the Catholic Daughters and eventually with the Little Sisters of the Poor where she was President of their Ladies Auxiliary for several years. Annual fashion shows and bingos were great successes under her guidance and leadership.

Mary loved people and they loved her in return.  In her later years, she struggled with dementia, but  never forgot her love for and from her friends and family.  She was a treasure and will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved her.

Family will receive friends at Harry W. Witzke Funeral Home, 4112 Old Columbia Pike, Ellicott City, MD 21043 on Tuesday, January 4, 2022 from 4PM to 8PM; a Celebration of Life will also be held there on Wednesday, January 5, 2022 at 10 AM. Interment will be private. 

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to The Alzheimer’s Association or The American Cancer Society.

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