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Mary Ann Cypher Alfonsi
Obituaries | The Tube City Almanac | September 16, 2018
It is with great sadness that the family of Mary Ann Cypher Alfonsi announces her passing on Saturday, September 15th at the age of 72 at her West Mifflin home supported by her loving family. Born July 2, 1946 in Clairton, PA, she was the daughter of the late Margaret Edna and Charles D. Cypher Sr. of Clairton, PA. Mary Ann will be forever remembered by her loving husband of 50 years, Lee Alfonsi of West Mifflin and children, Melissa Lee (Christopher) Brannen of State College and Amy Lynn Alfonsi of West Mifflin. Mary Ann was a loving grandmother to Emma and Sarah Rohan of State College. She is also survived by sisters-in-law, brothers-in-law, nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her brother, Charles D. Cypher Jr. and her favorite dog Lizzy, along with many more beloved pets.
As a biology teacher and then department head at McKeesport Area High School for over 30 years, Mary Ann educated thousands of teenagers on the wonders of science and mentored new student teachers. She tirelessly supported her daughters in extracurricular activities when they were young by volunteering her time and creative talents and continued that tradition by encouraging her granddaughters’ endeavors in academics, sports and the arts. She loved video games and was active on social media where she always spoke her mind. She enjoyed a good argument almost as much as a good laugh. Her granddaughter said it best in her memorial post; “I am lucky to have had this cool human as my grandma. She was a mom, a biology teacher, an avid scrapbooker, a surprisingly tech savvy baby-boomer, a consistent patron of my abandoned singing career, an amazing cook who really knew how to throw a party, and just a really creative person.”. Mary Ann was blessed to be able to celebrate 50 years of marriage in July with her husband Lee who will forever miss their trips to the casino, preparing outlandishly huge holiday feasts, and co-hosting family and neighbors on the side porch with evenings filled with food, drink, and laughter. Her daughters and granddaughters are grateful to her for showing them, by example, how to be strong independent women.
Visitation will be held on Tuesday, September 18, 2018 at S.M FINNEY FUNERAL HOME, 432 N 6th Street, Clairton, PA 15025, from 2 – 4 and 6 – 8 pm. Mass will be held on Wednesday, September 19, 2018 at 10:00 am, at Holy Spirit Catholic Church, 2603 Old Elizabeth Road, West Mifflin, PA 15122, followed by entombment at Lebanon Church Cemetery Mausoleum. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions be made to the American Heart Associations, 444 Liberty Ave #1300, Pittsburgh, PA 15222. Online condolences may be offered at www.finneyfuneralhome.com
Originally published September 16, 2018.
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