Mary L. "Marie" (Campana) Progar

Mary L (Marie) Progar, 94, of Canonsburg, PA, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, May 21, 2024 at Kane Community Living Center-Scott Twp, where she had resided for the past 15 months.  Marie, as she was known to her family and friends, was born on August 5, 1929, in Canonsburg to Gaetano and Josephine (Como) Campana. On November 26, 1949, at St. Patrick Church, she married her husband, Edward E. Progar, with whom she would spend the following 56 years, until his passing on April 29, 2006. She was a member of St. Oscar Romero Parish, SNPJ Lodge 138, and KSKJ Lodge 153. During her working years, Marie was employed by the Continental Can Company, RCA Corporation, and Sarris Candies. 

Marie was a very strong woman who was able to recover from bladder resection surgery at the age of 90. She was a consummate caregiver as evidenced by her dedication to caring for her Mother as she recovered from breast cancer surgery and later, her husband, Ed, as he dealt with an atypical form of ALS.  As a loving “Gram”, she provided day care for her beloved grandchildren as well. And she always made sure her son, Eddie, had plenty of prepared frozen meals to take back to Cleveland with him after visiting.

Marie, who enjoyed cooking and baking, was best known for her Potato Salad, Italian Wedding Soup (which were always requested for holiday gatherings and family events) and her anise flavored Pizzelles (of which she made many dozens around the Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays). During her later years, she was ably assisted at the Pizzelle iron by her daughter and youngest granddaughter, Abby, in maintaining this cherished family tradition.

Marie was an avid Steelers and Pirates fan, no doubt influenced by her exceptionally athletic husband, Ed.  When she was able, an occasional trip to the Meadows Casino was not out of the question.  But her favorite times were the annual holiday gatherings and the occasional vacation with close and extended family.

Surviving to cherish Marie’s memory are her son Edward A Progar of Cleveland, OH, daughter Kathleen M (Stephen) Anderson of Canonsburg, sister Anna Kolaczynski of Washington, PA, sister-in-law Rose Marie (Robert) Lawrence of Strabane, PA, grandchildren Zachary, Rachel, Thomas, and Abigail, great-grandchildren Grayson and Asher, many nieces, nephews and good friends.

In addition to her parents and husband, Marie was preceded in death by sisters Venzie Campana, Lucy DeTemple, and Madeline Mazza, and several other relatives and friends by whom she will no doubt be greeted with open arms.

Very special thanks and much love to the wonderful staff at Kane Community Living – Scott Twp and Gallagher Hospice for their exceptional, dedicated care over these past 15 months.

Family and friends will be received from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. Friday in Mario L. DeAngelo Funeral Home at 194 East College Street in Canonsburg.

Departing prayers will be held in the funeral home at 11:30 a.m. Saturday immediately followed by a Mass of Christian Burial to be celebrated at 12:00 p.m. Saturday May 25, 2024 in St. Patrick Church in Canonsburg.

Interment will follow In St. Patrick Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, charitable contributions may be made to Marie’s charity of choice, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, or any organization of choice, in Marie’s name.

A tribute wall is available at www.deangelocare.com.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Mary L. "Marie" (Campana) Progar, please visit our floral store.