Mary Rose Chertik

Mary Rose Chertik was born on October 24, 1955, and lived in Natrona Heights, PA. On Friday,
March 4, 2022, she passed away from heart failure and is now peacefully with her parents, Eleanor
Chertik and Lawrence Chertik who proceeded her in death.
Mary Rose, or MR (as she is known by her family and friends), is survived by her younger siblings,
Lawrence Chertik, Jr., Kathy Sample, Byron Chertik, and Lisa Compton, as well as her extended
family and friends.
After graduating Highlands High School in 1973 she went to Clarion State College where she
earned a degree in teaching. She moved to Aiken, SC, and thoroughly enjoyed teaching children
before she pivoted and moved to FL. There she worked with her uncle for several years before
returning home to PA to focus on caring for her aging parents.
MR grew up in Fawn Township where there was plenty of land to play with her younger siblings,
from kickball, indian ball, just about any kind of ball. Make-believe ‘office’ and stage pop bands
were also memorable parts of her childhood. As the eldest, she would take the lead role in the
make-believe scenarios, and very seriously as it was important to the fab five. She was a wonderful
big sister and would often take the blame for her siblings even when it was not necessary. She was
the protector.
In her teens, she sang alto in the choir in high school and church. She adored singing and would
typically belt out along with songs on the radio. She especially liked singing harmony and one might
often hear her doing so to retro songs, often with her family as she did with their make-believe band
from their childhood.
She was passionate about sports, any sport, really, especially her beloved Pittsburgh teams.
Whether watching on TV, discussing on the phone or reading, she was knowledgeable and devoted.
Clearly, above all, MR loved family. She would light up when visiting family, whether it was one on
one, a large extended family gathering or picnic, or anything in between. She was overjoyed being
surrounded by family.
MR had a bit of a reputation for being chatty on phone and loved to reminisce. However, she was
an excellent listener and showed an abundance of empathy. Anyone that knew her was touched by
her soft words and genuine kindness. She was a peacemaker and was always a source of
positivity. She was truly a gentle soul.
MR left us too soon and will be desperately missed by all those that she’s left behind. Our hearts are
so broken by this unexpected loss. She was one of a kind and to be loved by her was to be truly
blessed.

Friends will be received on Wednesday from 5-7 p.m in the Cicholski-Zidek Funeral Home, Inc., 1522 Carlisle Street, Natrona Heights 724-224-8688. Burial will be private. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the funeral home to help with expenses. To send an online condolence please visit www.cicholski-zidekfh.com.