*See memorial donations message below.Mary Ditka Solomon was born on October 9, 1928, in Carnegie, Pennsylvania to Wasyl and Bronislava Dyscko (Ditka). She graduated from Aliquippa High School in 1946. She began dating her lifelong sweetheart, Bill Solomon of Aliquippa, Pennsylvania in high school. They were married on July 2, 1950. Bill and Mary’s first child, Carole “Gus” Ann was born to them in Sewickley, Pennsylvania, September 9, 1952. They resided in Linmar Plan of Aliquippa, PA with Carole for several years until later moving to Wickham Village in Hopewell Township. On December 28, 1956, Patricia “Patty” Marie was born to Bill and Mary. Then, on November 16, 1959, their third daughter, Adrienne “Adie” Mary was born to them in Aliquippa. Mary was a 1950’s mom, staying at home with her daughters and loving it. She was a playful mom and grandma with a wry sense of humor and an independent spirit. In the midst of it all she was a 25 year cancer survivor who turned her struggle with the disease into an opportunity to serve others. She and Bill both volunteered many hours with the Metro Maryland Ostomy Association, walking beside other cancer survivors as they adjusted to the life transitions that comes with having an ostomy. She was an active member at St. Barnabas Church serving on the altar guild, contributing to the annual craft bazaar, and participating regularly in the adult classes and coffee hour discussions. Mary was an avid crafter and seamstress creating such beautiful things as ceramic nativity sets, home-sewn smocked dresses for granddaughters, draperies and more. Her vegetable garden was always prolific and their home of 45 years beautifully landscaped. But don’t get the wrong impression, Mary was not a stereotypical stay-inside-the-lines kind of woman. She loved adventure. There wasn’t a family sledding event where she wasn’t jumping on the old metal saucer and flying downhill herself - no matter what her age. A twenty foot swing over the side of a lake? She’s on it. Grandson’s motorcycle? Gotta get a quick ride around the block. Dance floor at a wedding? She and her Billy could cut the rug like nobody’s business. Mary’s greatest love was her family. She is survived by her daughters Gus Grinstead, Patty Albert, and Adie Johnson as well as seven grandchildren, Captain Dustin Albert, MD US Army, Dr. Matt Johnson, Nick Grinstead, Kenny Johnson, Lindsay Grinstead, Catherine Johnson, and Samantha Albert, and five great-grandchildren, Soren and Lane Johnson and Brooks and Graham Albert, and Hugo Grinstead. Her husband, Bill Solomon, preceded her in death, June 18, 2015. *In lieu of flowers, donations to the Metro Maryland Ostomy Association are welcome.If you would like to send a card, please mail it to:Pattie Albert9159 Paulyn DriveOwings, MD 20736