Mary Kay (Garbacz) Land

Mary Kay (Garbacz) Land, of Chester, Virginia, passed away on Wednesday, April 30, 2025, following an extended illness.

Born March 31, 1958, she was the daughter of Alvin and Frances (Maj) Garbacz, of Oil City, Pennsylvania. She attended Assumption BVM and St. Stephen's grade school, and was a 1976 graduate of Venango Christian High School.

Mary Kay was a dedicated and loyal worker, who was employed at Family Services in Oil City, until her move to Virginia in 1997. Following her move, Mary Kay proudly worked for the Virginia Economic Development Partnership until her retirement this year. She was an extremely organized, respected, and diligent worker, who was always happy to share her knowledge and expertise with her colleagues. Her attention to detail, dedication, and work ethic remained beyond reproach.

Mary Kay loved her family dearly. She adored her two sons, grandchildren, and her nieces, who she treated like her own daughters. Whether it was baking cookies or her famous Chex mix, hosting holiday dinners, doing crafts or going shopping with her grandchildren or nieces, hosting spa days, or just spending time with those she loved. Mary Kay brought joy, happiness, and comfort to those around her. She gave to others, always. She was the most selfless, giving, and loving wife, daughter, mother, sister, grandmother, and Mimi to those who loved her.

Mary Kay enjoyed reading, scrapbooking, gardening, and spending time with the many cats she rescued over the years. She enjoyed family history and was involved heavily in genealogy research. She loved to knit, and made beautiful blankets for her family, which they will always treasure. Mary Kay also belonged to the local Gold Wing motorcycle group, and enjoyed going on rides with her husband, Ed.

Mary Kay was preceded in death by her beloved father, Alvin Garbacz. She will be greatly missed by her husband of 37 years, Ed; her two sons, John, of Chester, Virginia and Daniel and his wife, Kelly, of Duncansville, Pennsylvania; her sister, Patty Ryback and her husband, Kevin, of Beaver, Pennsylvania; her grandchildren, Hannah, of Oil City, Pennsylvania, Rebecca, Jackson, Samantha, and Ellie Breene, all of Duncansville, Pennsylvania; her nieces, Sarah Fry and husband, Daniel, of Beaver, Pennsylvania, Emily Ryback, of Los Angeles, California, Kathryn Potts and her husband, Zachary, of Beaver, Pennsylvania, and Laura Ryback, of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania; and her coworkers and many friends.

A small service will be held at the Chester Chapel of J.T. Morriss & Son Funeral Home, on Saturday, June 14, 2025, from 2:00 PM until 4:00 PM. Interment will be at a later date. In lieu of flowers and/or memorial, we ask that you donate to a local cat rescue of your choice in her name.