Mary Laicha enjoyed 95 years of life loving God, loving her family, and believing in the goodness of others. She taught by example knowing that the little things in life are the best. She made her journey home to God on March 7, 2025. She was born on March 26, 1929 and is the daughter of the late Anna (Usuka) and Frank Langes.
Mary graduated from Williamstown High School in 1947. She was proud of her early beginnings as a daughter of a coal miner who lived on “Mountain Road” and carried buckets of water from their well. She worked as a seamstress in the dress factory and assisted her neighbors driving them to town for appointments and for groceries. Throughout her life she was proud to be called a “coal cracker” and was always willing to assist a neighbor.
She married the man of her dreams Michael Laicha on August 29, 1959 in her home church The Holy Ghost Byzantine Church in Williamstown. She was a member of St. Benedict the Abbot Catholic Church, formerly SS. Cyril and Methodius Church in Lebanon. Her life revolved around caring for her husband Michael and children Mary Ann, Michael and Barbara and her mother Anna. She enjoyed bingo every Tuesday night at the church, Polka Pals Saturday night, cleaning the church and rectory and baking for donut and nut roll sales.
In later years, she enjoyed listening to the adventures of her grown children and grandchildren her “Earth Angels” as she referred to them. She was kind and always knew what to say to make you feel better about yourself. She treasured her visits to New York to enjoy special occasions and holidays with her family. She became everyone’s Granny. She looked forward to shopping sprees, getting her hair done and having day adventures with her son, Fr. Michael to doctor appointments and then out to eat with an occasional trip to the casino to play her lucky slot machine. She held a special devotion to our Blessed Mother, St Jude and the Sacred Heart praying the Rosary daily for family and friends. She was the very best mother in the world…our Earth Angel!
She is survived by her daughter, Mary Ann and spouse Dr. Paul Hospodar, son Fr. Michael Laicha, daughter Barbara Laicha, Grandchildren Paul, Nicholas, Sarah (married to Zach Chandler), Maria, Danny (married to Faith), Nicholas (married to Angie) Brandt and great grandchildren, Olivia (married to Hunter Farrel), Sophia, Nicholas Brandt in addition to several nieces, nephews and great nieces and nephews.
Mary is preceded by her parents: Anna and Frank Langes, husband Michael and sister, Irene (married to Ronald) Snyder.
Our family wishes to express their appreciation to the staff of WellSpan Good Samaritan Hospital, WellSpan Palliative Care, and the nurses and nursing assistants on the Second and Fourth Floors along with Hospice & Community Care, for their compassion and kindness shown to Mary and her family. We thank Sue for keeping her young and beautiful and her caregivers Joan, Ruby, Fran, Karen and Theresa for taking wonderful care of her and making each day special.
In lieu of flowers, do something kind for another person in memory of Mary. Donations can be made to St. Benedict the Abbot Church, 1300 Lehman Street, Lebanon Pa. 17046.
A Mass of Christian Burial, will be celebrated by her son on Thursday March 13 at 11 a.m. at St. Cecilia’s Catholic Church. Visiting hours will be from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m.Â
