MaryAnn (Bodesheim) Paserba, 79, of Meridian, passed away on July 28, 2023, after a courageous battle for the past 4 months with the devasting cancer of AML.
She was born in Butler on December 31, 1943. She was the beloved daughter of the late Charles Bodesheim and Evelyn (Niggle) Bodesheim.
MaryAnn was a graduate of Butler High School and the Butler County Community College, where she earned her degree as a Registered Nurse. MaryAnn was a true servant of God during the many years she worked as an RN at the Butler Memorial Hospital. She worked on the med/surge unit, operating room, and her most favorite and rewarding years in the Emergency Room. During her time in the ER she held the position of Assistant Head Nurse as well. MaryAnn retired from the ER in 2003.
She was a member of All Saints Parish, St. Paul Roman Catholic Church, the St. Paul’s Christian Mothers, the Catholic Daughters of America, the American Nurses Association and the ELKS fraternal organization. MaryAnn was a devoted supporter of Butler Catholic School and St. Joseph High School. She also organized many blood drives.
She was the wife of the late James Paserba. He was her high school sweetheart and was the love of her life. They were married on June 24, 1963.
She was the proud mother of three daughters: Joyce Paserba Lesser (Mike), Marlene Paserba Protivnak (Larry) and Stacie Paserba Roxberry (Todd), all of Butler.
Her title of “Gram” was her favorite role of all. Her grandchildren were her life. She spent all of her time caring, loving, and laughing with them. She along with her husband were at every activity, sporting event, and drove them to many practices. Days spent with “Gram” were filled with swimming, games, movies, vacations and a tremendous amount of love. She was a true servant of God to all of us.
MaryAnn’s memory continues to live on through her grandchildren: Allison Lesser Fox (Seth), Alex Protivnak, Tyler Protivnak (Jennifer), Jack Protivnak, Brad Roxberry, and Ava Roxberry, also her two great grandchildren Parker and Lilly Fox.
She is also survived by her brother, Charles Bodesheim (Linda), a brother-in-law, Dr. Robert Paserba (Henrietta); two sisters-in-law, Mary Neff Paserba and Gail Wieman Paserba, and numerous nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her husband James Paserba who died March 13, 2021, her parents, one sister Doris Bodesheim; three brothers-in-law Dr. James Thorne, John “Sonny” Paserba and Thomas Paserba.
Friends will be received at the Geibel Funeral Home, 201 East Cunningham Street in Butler, from 2:00 pm until 5:00 pm Thursday. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Friday, at 10:00 am, at St. Paul Roman Catholic Church, 128 North McKean Street, Butler. The Rev. Kevin Fazio to officiate. Entombment will follow in the Mausoleum of Calvary Cemetery in Butler.
In Lieu of Flowers, Donations are requested to be made to Butler Catholic School, 515 East Locust Street, Butler, PA 16001.