Obituary of Mary Frances Fantacci Salzmann

Born December 5, 1916, in the Jerome Park section of Morgantown, Mary Salzmann, 96, passed away Saturday, April 13, 2013, at Windy Hill Village in Kingwood. In keeping with true Roman Catholic fashion, Mary was one of 17 children of the late Victoria Vozar Fantacci and Peter Fantacci. She was preceded in death by her siblings: John Mehalic, Joseph Mehalic, Stephen Mehalic, George Mehalic, Michael Mehalic, Albert Mehalic, Charles Mehalic, Andrew Fantacci, Peter Fantacci, Virginia Mehalic White, Mildred Mehalic Tonchina, Margaret Mehalic Hicks, Helen Fantacci, Victoria Fantacci, and Virginia Fantacci. Her daughter-in-law, Jean Ann Riley Salzmann, also preceded her in death. In 1943, Mary married her now late husband, Karl J. Salzmann, at St. Theresa's Catholic Church of Morgantown and thus became a loving wife, mother, and grandmother. A proud employee of the Morgan Shirt Factory, Mary joined the workforce at age 13 and climbed the ropes of management with an iron fist and a penchant for a Singer sewing machine. She was an ardent sports fan and cheered on the Pirates, Steelers, and, of course, the Mountaineers. When not dominating in gin rummy or solitaire, she was an avid bowler playing on two leagues and maintained an undisputed average of 160. Her grandchildren faithfully attended the Mary Salzmann School of bubble gum blowing and card shuffling. They also learned to swim and dance upon Mary's insistence. Mary also hosted Sunday dinners at her home for many years and cooked authentic Italian cuisine for dozens of guests. She is survived by her children, Terry Salzmann of Alpharetta, GA; Gary Salzmann and wife Cindy of Morgantown; her grandchildren, Natalie S. Wirshing of Suwanee, GA, Ashley Salzmann of Orange County, CA, and Addison Salzmann of Morgantown; and also her great-grandchildren Elena and Marisa Wirshing. Also surviving are her brother Louis A. Fantacci of Las Vegas, NV, and a myriad of nieces and nephews. Special thanks and recognition is given to Lisa Rouse, Mary's dedicated caretaker for several years. Family and friends will be received at St. Francis de Sales Catholic Church, One Guthrie Lane, Morgantown on Wednesday, April 17th from 5-8 PM and again on Thursday, April 18th from 10 Am until the celebration of the Mass of Christian Burial at 11 AM with the Very Reverend Father Mark Ward, CP, VF and Father Colombo Bandiera con-celebrating the Mass. Interment will follow in the Beverly Hills Memorial Gardens, Westover. A Scriptural Wake Service will be recited at 7:45PM Wednesday evening in the church to conclude the visitation. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to St. Francis de Sales Catholic Church, One Guthrie Lane, Morgantown, WV 26505. Hastings Funeral Home of Morgantown is assisting the Salzmann family with the arrangements. Send condolences online at www.hastingsfuneralhome.com