Mary C. Valvoda
December 1, 1929 ~ January 20, 2015
Mary Catherine Valvoda, age 85 of Elma, IA passed away on Tuesday, January 20, 2015 at Afton Oaks of Elma.
Mary Catherine was born on December 1, 1929 to Joseph and Rose (Praska) Chihak on the family farm in rural Elma. After graduating from high school she was united in marriage to Raymond Valvoda at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church in Elma on October 5, 1949. The couple made their home on the Valvoda family farm where they raised their three children Rosemary, Beverly, and Ronald. After retiring in 1983 they moved to their new home in Lourdes. Mary then moved to Afton Oaks, of Elma in the summer of 2014
Mary enjoyed playing cards, baking, fishing, and traveling. She was a member of Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church, Rosary Society, and the OEO Club.
Mary is survived by her children Rosemary Valvoda, of Castle Rock, CO, Beverly Valvoda, of Aurora, CO, Ronald (Nancy) Valvoda, of Elma, IA; grandchildren Chad (Pam Page) Valvoda of Mason City, IA, Jaclyn (Brandon) Smith, of Mason City, IA, Scott Valvoda of Elma, IA; great-grandchildren Kellyn, Zaraya; brother Robert Chihak of Elma, IA and several nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, two brothers Paul Chihak and Joseph Jr. “Pep” Chihak.
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I have fond memories of Aunt Mary and Uncle Ray taking my Mom Shirley and I striper fishing on the Mississippi in Minnesota. We chased the sea gulls all over the lake as they pursued small fish brought to the surface by the stripers. We had a blast.
Aunt Mary was always very kind and friendly and we enjoyed visiting her.
Sincerely,
Alan Chihak
As a child I was eager to visit the Valvoda farm to learn about things us city kids didn’t know about. Aunt Mary was my hero though on one particular day when a rooster started chasing me as a 3 year old girl. I was scared and crying. Mary took good care of that rooster! I avoided the chicken coop for a long while during many visits. My sympathy to the family. Nancy Scienzo and Ray
Aunt Mary and Uncle Ray were my God parents so I feel a special bond. I remember sitting on Aunt Mary’s lap as a child and being called ‘little Joany’. Visiting Aunt Mary and family was always fun. There were plenty of things to do on the farm and Aunt Mary made sure we did not go hungry. I recall a period of time when she and Ray were avid snowmobilers and looked forward to a good snowfall so they could go for a ride. She was very special. Joan Cook and Paul
OUR DEEPEST SMYPATHIES TO THE FAMILY OF MARY. SHE LOVED MY MUSIC VERY MUCH. I WILL ALWAYS THINK OF HER WHEN I PLAY SOME COUSIN MERLE SONGS. R. I. P. MARY. WE WILL ALL MISS YOU. TIM AND CINDY HOWLAND. TIM THE MUSIC MAN. PROTIVIN IOWA.
So sad to hear this news. Many fun memories playing at the farm. Deepest sympathies to you all, Rosemary, Bev and Ron.