Mary Bernadette Prutzman, age 85, passed away peacefully on April 8, 2020 at her home in Annandale, Virginia to be with our Lord. She was born on June 8, 1934 in Brooklyn, New York to John and Florence (Fischer) Lyons. Mary was well known as a woman of unwavering faith. She was a prayer warrior and peace maker, who radiated a gentle, kind and humble spirit. She was an honors graduate of Bishop Ireton High School, a graduate of the Business Institute of Reading Pennsylvania, and an honors graduate of the University of the State of New York. Mary worked as a legal secretary before her marriage to William Logan Prutzman of Reading, Pennsylvania on October 13, 1956. Together they raised five children and took great delight in the lives of their seven grandchildren and one great-grandchild. Mary was a member of Holy Spirit Catholic Church in Annandale, Virginia for over 50 years. She enjoyed spending time with her friends and attending her Bible study group for many years. She was a wonderful cook and her recipes were shared with many family members and friends. She was fond of reading, family vacations at the beach and celebrating the Holiday Season, especially the true meaning of Christmas. Her best childhood memories included trips to the zoo, the circus, Coney Island, the rodeo and Broadway plays. She relaxed by gardening, playing the piano, and listening to music. She was part of a Rosary Making Group, where she personally made over 150,000 Rosaries that were distributed worldwide.
Mary is survived by her husband, Cmdr. William L. Prutzman (ret). Children; Bernadette M Lopez (Florentin Lopez - husband), William D Prutzman, Susan M Langley (Michael Langley - husband), Nancy A Paonessa (Thomas Paonessa - husband). Grandchildren; Joshua K Langrill, Rachael A Langrill, Faith E Suarez (Alexander Suarez-husband), Abigail J Lopez, Mikaela R Langley, Thomas W Paonessa, Christopher R Paonessa and great-grandson Clayton D Fitzgerald-Rodriguez . She was preceded in death by her youngest son, John J Prutzman and his wife Deborah Prutzman. Mary is also survived by her brother, John J Lyons (Brigette Lyons - wife), and sisters; Florence Hurley (Peter Hurley – husband), Catherine Misner, Margaret Hagen and Patricia Mueller.
Mary asked that in lieu of flowers, donations in the form of a check be made in her memory to:
The Poor Clare’s Monastery
5500 Holly Fork Road
Barhamsville, VA 23011
