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Warm memories: ‘Mary Crochet' celebrates 100 years
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Friday, March 27, 2009 11:53 AM EDT
Argus-Press Photo by Anthony Cepak Mary Skodak, 100-years-old, works on an afghan blanket Tuesday. Skodak said she has crocheted more than 1,000 blankets in her lifetime.
Mary Skodak is set on making sure nearly everyone she meets will walk away feeling like her child - and maybe even leave with an Afghan blanket she crocheted especially for them.
And she keeps her fingers busy, despite having only eight. On Tuesday, those who received her generosity over the years showed their appreciation for Skodak, by celebrating with her on her 100th birthday.
For more than 20 years, Skodak has made dozens of blankets and doll clothing and visited the students almost every week at First Congregational Church. Members of the church decided to let their thanks be heard all over the community by ringing the bells 100 times - every student was able to ring the bell twice.
To follow up, the students - along with Rev. Jim Eaton, parents and faculty - sang Happy Birthday to Skodak.
“I love you all,” Skodak replied after hearing the song. She added that each one of them were now her children, too. “You've got to have love and give love and just enjoy people.”
Others who have felt Skodak's love over the years also joined in on the celebration Tuesday. Skodak received more than 100 birthday cards - including one from President Barack Obama.
Skodak used to knit and crochet almost every day until she lost two of her fingers on her left hand in a pressing accident while working for Redmond Motor Co. decades ago. She retired in 1974. No longer able to knit, Skodak decided to concentrate on crochet, making more than 1,000 blankets in her lifetime.
“I've made blankets so much that now I look like a blanket,” Skodak said. “But I love it.”
Those who know her best say Skodak's passion for crochet has kept her busy for years.
Her friendliness led Skodak to meet Linda Albertson, who spends her time as an assistant preschool teacher at First Congregational.
“She has been an inspiration to me and so many of us,” Albertson said. “Her positive attitude is what I love. She just never complains.”
For all of Skodak's gifts and time spent with the children at the church, Albertson gave her the nickname “Mary Crochet.”
“All of the children (at First Congregational) and all of my children have blankets,” Albertson said. “‘Mary Crochet' is how we addressed all of our letters to her.”
Albertson said she is constantly amazed by Skodak.
“She is just so inspiring and her memory is so sharp,” Albertson said, adding that Skodak is able to remember names and dates better than anyone she knows, at any age. “She's a very loving person. She's never married and never had children of her own so everyone she meets becomes her children. You just can't help but be inspired by her attitude.”
Skodak said a good memory isn't difficult.
“You just have to concentrate,” she said. “Time goes by fast so you have to concentrate.”
Skodak's memory has helped her remember the advent of the automobile and airplane. She knows Owosso's history through and through - able to explain what used to be in the city when she moved to Owosso in 1916. But that's not why she enjoys her memory.
“I love to keep track of all of my kids,” Skodak said.
Niece Elaine Baker said Skodak has always been a caring person.
“She used to volunteer at Memorial Hospital into her 70s and 80s,” Baker said. “And she walked every single day to work.”
Skodak said she volunteered for many years at the hospital simply because she loved being around people.
“I love helping out older people too,” she said. “It's always good to help others.”
Baker said most of the “older” people Skodak was referring to are younger than she is.
Skodak's energy even earned her the honor of being what she calls “the oldest Curwood girl.” At 94, Skodak became one of the oldest Curwood Festival attendees.
“I love Owosso,” Skodak said. “And I love the festival because I'm just a Curwood girl.”
- Contact Nathan Bruttell at 725-5136 extension 231 or nbruttellarguspress@gmail.com. Post comments about this story online at www.argus-press.com.
Comment on this Story
Laurie Wheeler wrote on Apr 6, 2009 5:45 AM:
Blessings on you Mary, and thank you to the newspaper who chose to run a good news story.
It is with love and a generous spirit that all things can be over come. "
Agnes Porter wrote on Apr 3, 2009 1:12 PM:
mare wrote on Apr 3, 2009 9:28 AM:
Doratha wrote on Apr 1, 2009 12:54 PM:
Doratha wrote on Mar 31, 2009 1:34 PM:
Emma wrote on Mar 30, 2009 2:52 PM:
Patty wrote on Apr 10, 2009 8:21 PM: