Mary Elizabeth Jirka
Mary Elizabeth Jirka, born to Frances H. and Anthony Nebbioso on January 19, 1933, of late, from Ithaca, NY, passed away from congestive heart failure November 12, 2025.
Pre-deceased by her parents; husband of 47 years, James R. Jirka; and brother, Anthony D. Nebbioso.
Survived by sisters, Jeannie Schwartz and Clara Parker; sister-in-law, Georgia Wilson; sons, James (Tracy) Jirka and Kurt (Barbara Knuth) Jirka; daughters, Terri (Val) Deschaine and Stephanie Thomas; grandchildren, Brian Jirka, Peter (Layla) Jirka, Caroline Jirka, Catey Jirka, and Kelly (Matt) Gingrich; great-grandchildren, Troye, Liam, Jadynn, Hudson, and Ryan; nephews, Mark, Raymond, Michael, Shai, and Tom; and nieces, Anita and Michelle.
Mary grew up in Columbus, OH, and graduated high school from St. Mary of the Springs Academy, attended Office Training School following graduation, and worked as a secretary for the Jennings-Lawrence Company until marriage.
Mary met her future husband, Jim, at a mixer at the Air Force base in Columbus, and they were married in February 1956. Mary and Jim started a family, first living in Cleveland, OH, then moving to Levittown, NY, Hauppauge, NY, and Plantation, FL. Once her children had grown, Mary held jobs in retail sales and then as a realtor. Upon retiring, Mary, Jim, and their daughter, Stephanie, moved to the Lewisburg, WV area. After 37 years in West Virginia, Mary moved to Ithaca, NY, to be closer to her son, Kurt, where she lived the rest of her days.
Mary loved doing crafts, including sewing, crocheting, ceramics, and creating whimsical stuffed animals, which she sold at local craft shows in West Virginia. She also loved to cook and feed family and friends to their content. Her barbecue ribs, stuffed shells, and meatballs were family favorites. In retirement, Mary was active in volunteer work, belonging to multiple local civic groups and assisting patients, visitors, and staff at Greenbrier Valley Medical Center.
Mary’s greatest love was her family. She was at her happiest in the presence of her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, her sister, Jeannie, and her sons, and her sister-in-law, Georgia. Mary also had the fortune of many great friends over the years, made during her times in Hauppauge, Plantation, and Lewisburg. Mary’s family will miss her sharp wit, her sense of humor, and most of all, her unwavering love for us all.
Information submitted by Bangs Funeral Home of Ithaca, NY.
