Maria Sachs

Maria Sachs, 84, former longtime resident of 331 Jefferson St., Meadville and most recently a resident of Wesbury United Methodist Retirement Community, died there Wednesday, March 16, 2011.

She was born March 5, 1927 in Cegled, Hungary, a daughter of the late John and Piroska Bezdan Tiszavolgyi.

Maria endured the rigors and tragedies of World War II in her beloved Hungary and migrated later to Germany.  She emigrated to this country under the sponsorship of the late Bishop John M. Gannon and the Catholic Diocese of Erie.  She initially lived in Erie and at that time worked at the St. Mary Home Infirmary and later at St. Vincent Hospital.  Shortly after coming to this country in 1951, she married John Sachs in Erie.  They later established their home in Cambridge Springs.

After the death of her husband in 1964, she moved to Meadville and began her employment at the former Spencer Hospital School of Nursing, initially as a housemother.  When the school closed in 1973, she continued as secretary to Sister Anastasia Valimont, SSJ, at that time, Director of Nursing.  She then worked in various roles in in service education, including CPR instructor.  Maria devoted untold hours for the betterment of the former Spencer Hospital.  She retired from Meadville Medical Center in 1987.  She enjoyed her many friendships with the Sisters of St. Joseph throughout the years.

She was a very proud Hungarian and American.  Throughout her lifetime she maintained a very strong and active pro-life stance and was a member of numerous pro life organizations.  She was a frequent guest speaker at various groups and volunteered at the Pregnancy Center in Meadville.

A woman of strong faith, she was a member and communicant of St. Agatha Church and was a frequent worshiper at the Latin mass conducted at St. Bernadette's Church in Saegertown.

She took great pride in caring for her home, enjoyed painting, writing poetry and decorating her home and office for Christmas.

She is survived by two nephews in California; cousins in the Czech Republic; her friends and advocates, including Sister Anastasia Valimont, SSJ of Erie, Retta Glover and Susan Blose of Meadville, Clyde A. Walton and his wife Marie of Pittsford, VT, and Aundra Zach of Meadville.

In addition to her husband and parents, she was preceded in death by her brothers, John and Anthony, and her beloved Yorkshire Terrier, Tibi.

Friends may call Friday from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. at the Robert W. Waid Funeral Home, 581 Chestnut St., Meadville.

Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Friday at 2:00 p.m. at St. Agatha Church, 353 Pine St., Meadville with Fr. Raymond Gramata as Celebrant.

Interment will be in Mitchell Cemetery, Cambridge Springs.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made Hospice of Crawford County, 464 Pine St., Meadville, PA 16335.

Share your memories and condolences at www.waidfuneralhome.net.