Mary C. (Screpesi) Ostrowski, 80, of Reading, peacefully joined the angels in heaven on Wednesday, August 29. Born on Christmas Eve in 1937, she was a daughter of the late Joseph and Stella C. (Zachowski) Screpesi.

Mary was the matriarch of Screpesi’s Sandwich Shop for 40 years. Even after retiring in 2007, she continued to be actively involved, always making sure things were done “The Screpesi Way.” Today, her family continues to operate Screpesi’s based on the values instilled by her parents when they opened their shop in 1949: dedication to hard work, customer service, and serving the best sandwiches in Berks County.

A faithful Catholic, Mary was a longtime member of the former St. Anthony of Padua Roman Catholic Church, located just up the street from her home and sandwich shop in Millmont. Though her family and faith were paramount to Mary, she deeply cherished her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren, placing their wants and needs before her own, even in her final days.

Mary loved life and gave of herself and her heart in all that she did, from leading the Boy and Girl Scouts, to providing comfort to the terminally ill at Rainbow Home in the 1990’s. She took part in several prayer groups and co-founded Compassionate Hearts, a ministry for those experiencing great loss in their lives. Mary truly lived the life she loved.

Throughout the years, she enjoyed trips with her family to Rehoboth Beach, New York City, and Cape Cod. But her favorite destination was Sicily, where she visited her family numerous times. Fondly referred to by her friends as “the leader of the pack,” it was Mary who organized all activities, from attending Senior college at Alvernia University, to trips, game days, concerts, and shopping.

She is survived by three children: Edward P., husband of Jolyn A. Ostrowski, Muhlenberg Township; Jolyn Nessuno, Reading; and Patricia A., wife of Douglas Kissinger, Reading; three siblings: Anna Mae, widow of Richard Siegfried, Shillington; Michael J. husband of Connie Screpesi, Georgetown, DE; and Patricia A. “Patsy”, wife of Robert Flanagan, Kenhorst. Also surviving are seven grandchildren: Kristin (Brian), Sarra (Andre), J.J. (Gabby Catania), Holly, Miles, Michael, and Jamie Lynn; four great grandchildren: Gracyn and Beckham Stones, Paisley Nessuno and Alexia Malina, all of whom will greatly miss their Grand MaMa.

Mary was predeceased by a sister, Marcine L., wife of Raymond C. Weisbrod, Shillington.

Mary’s family wishes to thank all those who lovingly cared for her in the last few weeks, especially the nurses, doctors and palliative care team at the Reading Hospital.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Monday, September 10, 2018, at 12 p.m. at St. Benedict's Roman Catholic Church, Plowville with burial to follow at Gethsemane Cemetery. Friends may call Sunday, September 9, 2018, from 6:00-8:00 p.m. at Edward J. Kuhn Funeral Home, Inc., West Reading and Monday from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. at St. Benedict's. In lieu of flowers, donations in Mary’s name may be made to Alvernia University, c/o Institutional Advancement, 400 St. Bernardine Street, Reading, PA 19607. Online condolences may be recorded at www.kuhnfuneralhomes.com.