Mary Margaret Kostival

ATHENS – Mary Margaret Kostival, 92, of Athens, died Sunday, February 17, 2013 at her home. She was born November 27, 1920 in Pageville in Meigs County, she was the daughter of the late D. Otis and Edith Dixon Whaley, whom she cared for until their last days. Margaret was also preceded in death by her brothers, Frederick (Baber) Whaley and Harold Dale Whaley; and a very special aunt, Ruth Dixon Howell with whom she was raised and was more a sister. Margaret was a graduate of Scipio High School, Harrisonville, Ohio. Widow of Michael J. Kostival, they were married May 8, 1947 in St. Paul’s Catholic Church, Athens, Ohio by Father Wadowicz. Margaret belonged to the Council of Catholic Women’s Club, Catholic Ladies of Columbia and the St. Francis Society. Margaret attended mass daily. She was a faithful and devout member and her church family was very special and very important part of her life. Margaret retired from the Athens Mental Health Center with 25 years of service as a LPN. A loving and devoted mother, Margaret will be sadly missed by her children, Cheryl, her husband Jack Sells of Huntington, WV; sons Jon of Dublin, OH and Jan and his wife Rose of Albany, OH. She was a loving and caring grandmother to Jack, Jr. (Carol) Sells, of Louisville, KY, Alicia (Eric) Hopkins, Andrea (Michael) Hattman of Pickerington, OH, Olivia and Jon Kostival of Gallipolis, OH. She also leaves behind great grandchildren, Luke Sells, Eli and Stella Hattman who had a very special place in her heart. Margaret is also survived by her sisters-in-law, Alice Whaley (son Terry Whaley), Kitty Whaley, Donna (Joe) Marks, Mary Lou Stakley, Leslie (Larry) Goble, and Sue Hotary. Margaret will be remembered for her loving commitment to the Lord, Church, family and friends. Margaret’s family wishes to express their deepest appreciation for two very special great nieces, Teresa Charney and Lisa Crabtree. Their love, kindness and excellent caregiving enhanced the quality of the last years of Margaret’s life. Special thanks are also extended to the Appalachian Communtiy Hospice staff. Special appreciation to Father Patrick Gaughan and Dr. Paul Cadamagnani for his years of caring. The professionalism displayed by Lisa, Teresa, and the Hospice staff enabled Margaret to transition with dignitiy and we are forever grateful. Margaret’s passing will truly be a home-going celebration. Always willing to assist family members in need, Margaret’s life was a true statement of devotion to family and friends and a commitment to serving others before herself. Even in pain, Margaret’s faith never waivered. Mass of Christian Burial will be Thursday at 10:00 am at St. Paul’s Catholic Church with Msgr Patrick Gaughan officiating. Burial will be at Mt. Calvary Cemetery. Friends may call at the Hughes-Moquin Funeral Home Wednesday 2-4 and 6-8 pm. A vigil for the deceased will be held Wednesday at 2:00 pm. You may send a message of sympathy to the family at www.hughesmoquinfuneralhome.com.