Mary Elizabeth Sumnick

Mary Elizabeth (Letovsky) Sumnick was born May 4, 1928 in Omaha, Nebraska to George Barta and Anna Helen (Kolle) Letovsky. She grew up at 28th & Kansas Avenue in Omaha, was baptized and confirmed at Miller Park Presbyterian Church; attended Miller Park Grade School, and went on to graduate from Omaha North High School in 1946. Following high school, Mary took business classes at Omaha University, then went to work at Security National Bank as a telephone operator. As a young girl, Mary was active in Girl Scouts and Job’s Daughters. Mary married Jack Sumnick at the Miller Park Presbyterian Church in Omaha on November 15, 1952, and to this union, a daughter, Sara Jayne, was born. The family made their home on the farmstead in Western Douglas County. Mary was a proud farm wife and Mom, but she also stayed active in many other ways. She was a 4-H leader, taught Sunday School and Bible School, and was active in Presbyterian Women, helping with weddings, funerals, and the county fair food stand. Mary was a member of the county extension club, the Waterloo Women’s club, and played Tripoli with the North High girls. She was an accomplished quilter and seamstress, and belonged to the Nebraska State Quilt Guild, Cottonwood Quilters, Friends All Around, and the Knotty Ladies. Mary was also a 75 year member of the Order of the Eastern Star, a 63 year member of Peace Presbyterian Church, and a life member of the PW. In addition to all of her volunteer groups, Jack and Mary loved to follow their grandchildren’s activities, all the time, anywhere, no matter the distance. She didn’t miss an art show of Sara’s, and was her best, most positive critic! She loved her family, and cherished being Great Grandma Apple. She even got used to Kevin’s teasing, and always got him back! Mary was a big fan of breakfast, dinner at El Bee’s on Sunday, or Boyd & Charlie’s meatloaf on Thursday. She enjoyed ‘40’s music and Frank Sinatra, along with Doris Day and Cary Grant movies. She would spend hours in her yard and tending her flower gardens, growing her gigantic poinsettias and geraniums. Mary will be remembered as a thougtful, practical, frugal, soft-hearted, kind lady that NEVER hestitated to help. She was a great humorist, she loved to laugh, and had the most beautiful smile. In her honor, please remember: As time fades and memories grow shorter, the original person is still there. Have patience, respect, and tolerance. Keep your own memories and live in the present. Don’t quiz those who can’t remember, and be thankful for now! Mary died unexpectedly at her farmhouse in Western Douglas County on Friday, February 27, 2015 at the age of 86 years, 9 months, and 23 days. She was preceded in death by her parents, husband Jack Sumnick, and brothers George and John Letovsky, and sisters-in-law; Darlene and Angelene Letovsky, and all the Sumnick brothers, sisters, and their spouses. Mary is survived by her daughter and son-in-law Sara and Kevin Wamsat of Bennington, grandchildren Zachary, his wife Amanda, and their daughter, Kenley Wamsat; and Kalle Wamsat, sister-in-law Fern Letovsky, nieces and nephews. And many more cousins and family members, and friends who are considered family members. Mary E. Sumnick, age 86, of Waterloo, NE, died 2/27/15. Preceded in death by parents, husband Jack Sumnick, and brothers George and John Letovsky. Survived by daughter and son-in-law Sara and Kevin Wamsat of Bennington, grandchildren Zachary, and wife Amanda, and their daughter, Kenley; and Kalle Wamsat, great-granddaughter Kenley Wamsat, sister-in-law Fern Letovsky, nieces and nephews. Memorial service 9:30 AM Thursday, March 5, Peace Presbyterian Church, Elkhorn. Private interment. Visitation with the family Wednesday from 4-7 PM at the funeral home in Elkhorn. Memorials to Peace Presbyterian Church or the Alzheimer’s Association.

Mary Elizabeth Sumnick

May 4, 1928 - February 27, 2015