Mary Frances (Kawtoski) Divido

Mary Frances (Kawtoski) Divido, RN, age 66, of Lilly, PA, passed away peacefully Wednesday, February 28, 2024, at UPMC Altoona surrounded by her loving family after a courageous 5 year battle with stage IV breast and lung cancer.  Born December 8, 1957, at Windber Hospital she was the daughter of the late Edward Sr. and Catherine (Gides) Kawtoski. She was a 1975 graduate of Penn Cambria High School.  She was also a graduate of Mount Aloysius College School of Nursing, having attained her degree as a registered nurse.  Upon graduation, she began her career in nursing at Windber Hospital. Throughout her nearly 40 year nursing career Mary did general duty nursing, hospice care, rehabilitation, case management, and home health.  Nursing was a perfect career for Mary since she loved serving others.  She was always recognized by her patients and patients’ families for treating them with dignity, respect, and true compassion.  Nothing made Mary happier than decorating her home, shopping on QVC, visiting the beach, listening to music, and being with her beloved dog Mavis.  She was very proud of all her nieces and nephews and their accomplishments and she especially enjoyed her time with them. Preceded her in death, in addition to her parents, was her brother, Edward J. Jr., on Dec. 23, 2002. She will be sadly missed by surviving siblings, Francis (Susan), York; Thomas, Quakertown; Catherine (James) Reifer, Charlestown, W.Va.; Susan (Michael) Washko, Pottsville; and Richard, Lilly. Aunt Teresa McVicker, Twinsburg, OH; Deborah Kawtoski, sister-in-law, Altoona; nieces and nephews, Tiffany (Christopher) Kawtoski-Bjelk-stam, Lindsay (Steve) Ilyes, Amanda Kawtoski, Angela (Jim) McGough, Dr. Jessica (Jason) Hildabrand, Jason Reifer, Bryan Reifer (Valerie), Catherine Washko (fiancée Brett Conville) and Alexis Washko; and numerous great-nieces and nephews; She will be especially missed by her beloved dog and companion, Mavis. In lieu of flowers, please make memorial contributions to St. Jude Childrens Research Hospital, the Humane Society of Cambria County, or a charity of your choice. A memorial service for Mary will be held at a later date. The Kawtoski family is being served by the Serenko-Claar Funeral Home, PC, Portage. Online condolences may be made at serenkoclaarfuneralhome.com.

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