Mary Ann Frances (Fertal) Brzoska

Mary Ann Frances (Major) Brzoska, age 85, formerly of Bridgeport, PA and more recently of Marlton, NJ, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, April 17, 2024. Born in Norristown, Mary Ann was the daughter of the late Andrew P. Fertal and the late Helen (Kundek) Fertal, the devoted wife since 1976 of the late Frank B. Brzoska, the loving mother of John (Rebecca) Major, Joyce (Richard) Major Lauer and Scott Major, the proud grandmother of Joe Major, Emilyn Major, Olivia (Jack) Jedlicka, Kyle (Amelia) Major, Alex Major, Lyndsay (David) Lauer Pasi, Craig Lauer, Kevin (Haley) Lauer, Michael (Bethany) Major and Christian Major and the adoring great-grandmother of Madelyn Major, Avery Major, Cecelia Pasi, Maye Pasi and Rory Pasi. In addition, Mary Ann was the cherished sister of Sister Mary Grace IHM (Helen Fertal) as well as the late Albert (Lorraine) Fertal, the late Andrew (the late Joanie) Fertal and the late Joseph (the late Patricia) Fertal.

Mary Ann was a graduate of Upper Merion High School, Class of 1956. She spent most of her high school life in sports and band activities. After graduation she went on to work for TV Guide in the Main Line area. She eventually moved on to have a fulfilling career as a bookkeeper for 3-D Auto Parts, in King of Prussia, for over 30 years. She was a former member of Our Mother of Sorrows Church and a long time member of Sacred Heart Church and their Rosary Society. Mary Ann was a true good and faithful servant of God. Not only would she attend daily masses at Sacred Heart Parish, but she would taxi anyone in the Bridgeport/Swedesburg area who was unable or not well enough to drive themselves to church.

Mary Ann was an accomplished seamstress, loving to sew anything from furniture covers, coats, communion dresses to an entire wardrobe. However, she was mostly known for her baking/cake decorating. You’d often find her baking Slovak/Polish cookies and breads, decorating   gingerbread villages at Christmas and a variety of cakes for every occasion.

In her earlier years she and her friends were champion bowlers at both Bridgeport and Facenda Whitaker bowling lanes. Other activities include her being an avid walker, often found numerous times a day walking up at Bridgeport Park. She and her husband Frank enjoyed every summer weekend visiting the Wildwood Crest and Cape May NJ beaches where you’d always find her biking to church in the mornings, then off to Wawa for coffee and finally a ride on the boardwalk. This was her daily ritual before heading to the beach. Mary Ann loved her sports. She was a #1 fan of the Philadelphia Phillies and Eagles teams. She’d never miss a game and would stay up watching her team play while eating her favorite popcorn recipe.

A holiday wouldn’t pass without Mary Ann’s classic indoor and outdoor holiday decorations. It was common for her to dress up in outrageous homemade Halloween costumes for her family and friends. 

Always smiling, she had an unforgettable laugh that was loved and will be remembered by all. 

Relatives and friends are invited to Sacred Heart Church, 120 Jefferson Street, Swedesburg, PA 19405 on Friday, May 3, 2024, where her family will greet guests from 9:30 a.m. until 10:20 a.m. and her Memorial Mass will begin at 10:30 a.m. Interment will follow in St. Benedict Cemetery. The family would appreciate Memorial Donations to Alzheimer’s Association, PO Box 96011, Washington, DC 20090-6011, Alz.org. Arrangements are by The Bernard S. Gutkowski Funeral Home, Swedesburg, 610-275-6385, Keith J. Murphy, F.D., www.gutkowskifuneralhome.com

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