Mary Johanna Minarik (Brommund)

Mary Johanna Minarik

On St. Patrick’s Day morning , March 17, 2016 our loving mother, grandmother and great grand mother, Mary Johanna Minarik passed away to join her husband, George F. Minarik of 68 years in heaven. She was surrounded by family in her Kingsville home.

Marie, as she is called, is survived by her 4 sons and daughter-in- laws: George Jr. & Leslie Minarik, William & Linda Minarik, James & Rosemary Minarik and Thomas & Ginny Minarik; Her brother-in-law and sister-in-law Ronald & Bonnie Minarik; Her 6 grandchildren and their spouses: Sarah Minarik & Andy Cretcher, Kimberly & Joey Maniscalco, Nicole Minarik & Aaron Jackson, Neale & Vanessa Minarik, Devon & Carrie Minarik and Evan & Lauren Minarik; and 8 ½ great grandchildren (Yes, one more is on the way)…

Marie Brommund was born into a happy Baltimore family, enjoyed paddling her red canoe and catching crabs on the Magothy River in Maryland. Her mother was Irish and her passing on St. Patty’s Day morning is a comfort and joy to the family.

Marie’s life had its challenges as her first husband Robert Newswanger, after a very brief marriage, was killed in action in France during the first days of WWII. Soon after, her only brother William P. Brommund died in action as well. It was a very tough time for the family as our finest members gave their last full measure of devotion to our country.

After the war Marie started to pull her life back together and worked as a switchboard operator for the C & P Telephone Company in Baltimore. She was introduced during a family/friends gathering to a handsome Captain George Minarik who had served with honor in the war in Europe. Unfortunately, Marie had contracted a bad case of poison ivy and upon this meeting was clothed head to toe in long sleeves with a high collar in spite of the very warm day. George saw beyond Marie’s covering and it was love at first sight.

After a wonderful marriage on New Year’s Day one by one four active boys were born (Minarik marriages on New Year’s Day now are a family tradition). Marie was “All In” as a mother and soon found her time filled with Kingsville School volunteer work such as organizing the popular “Penny Candy “booth at the annual school fair. Mom insisted that as a Cub Scout Den Mother, that she had no less than 12 boys; Even though, 7 boys was the recommended limit. Mom was all about fun activities, trips and crafts that delighted her cubs.

Each son found lifelong success thanks to mom’s creative nurturing. One day, she lined up her sons, and gave each one a small cookbook and that was the first day of cooking lessons for her 4 young boys. These lessons have paid off to the glee of their future wives and families. Her 3rd son James took a special interest in these lessons and graduated from the Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park, NY and now has been the Executive Chef for 40 years at the famous Prime Rib in Baltimore (Often a Zagat’s #1 choice). She was proud of all of her son’s outstanding accomplishments.

Mom was the president of the Kingsville Garden Club, local Sorority and volunteered for the then, brand new, Franklin Square Hospital working in the pediatric ward. She enjoyed organizing frequent family reunions.

A viewing will be held on Tuesday, March 22, 2016, from 2 pm to 5 pm. A tribute immediately following at the E.F. Lassahn Funeral Home: 11750 Belair Road, Kingsville, MD 21087. A graveside service will be held on, Wednesday, March 23, 2016, at 11am at the Highview Memorial Gardens: 3433 Fallston Road, Fallston, MD 21047.