Mary Ann Wargo

Mary Ann Kupniewski Wargo “Sandy,” age 92, of Harborcreek, PA, and a former longtime resident of Lawrence Park Township, passed away peacefully with her family by her side, surrounded by loving hands and prayer, on September 10, 2026.
Sandy was born in Erie on October 23, 1933, the daughter of the late Frank A. and Mary J. (Szymanowski) Kupniewski. She was a member of St. Mark the Evangelist R.C. Church in Lawrence Park. Sandy graduated from Villa Maria High School in Erie and attended Slippery Rock University.
As an only child, Sandy dreamed of having a large, close-knit family, and she and her husband, George, built exactly that together. Their five children became the center of their lives, and family gatherings were filled with fun-loving traditions, warmth, and a happy energy that made everyone feel at home. She taught her children that family comes first. She emphasized the importance of staying close and connected. The strong bond her children share today reflects the values she and George wove into their home from the very beginning. Sandy had a quick wit and a wonderful sense of humor. She created little songs and melodies for each of her children, singing them as babies and continuing the tradition throughout their lives.
Sandy worked for Servomation, Quick Photo, and the Harborcreek YMCA. In her 50s, she earned her LPN degree, fulfilling a long-held dream. Her most meaningful nursing role was caring for her mother in the home she shared with her husband, George.
In her later years, Sandy found comfort in familiar routines. She loved a good television show, from sitcoms to dramas, with Judge Judy being her favorite. She enjoyed going out to a local restaurant or simply sitting in her living room, talking and reminiscing. Her greatest joy, however, always remained her family. She loved them fiercely, in her own way, and she made sure they knew it.
Following the passing of her husband, George, Sandy spent her final years at Conrad Independent Apartments at Brevillier Village, where the staff cared for her with kindness, along with several residents who helped her in thoughtful and caring ways. She later moved to Ball Pavilion, where she continued to be cared for with tenderness and dignity. Lakeland Hospice walked alongside her in her final days, providing comfort and gentle support.
In addition to her parents, Sandy was preceded in death by her steady and devoted husband, George, to whom she was married for just shy of 60 years; her son, George Charles “Chuck” Wargo, whom she held deeply in her heart; her son-in-law, Wally Stanley; and her infant grandson, Douglas Stanley.
She is survived by her children: Judy Cooklis, Jane Stanley, Frank Wargo and his wife, Melissa, and Beth Ludwig and her husband, Karl; her grandchildren: Maggie Fluck, Mike Cooklis (Meredith), Chris Wargo (Melissa), Kari Wargo Dahlstrand, Andy “AJ” Wargo (Sharon), Matt Stanley, Rebecca Wargo, Allison Wargo, Emily Wargo, and Joe Wargo; six great-grandchildren; and former son-in-law Mike Cooklis and his wife, Li. One constant source of friendship in Sandy’s life was Donna Trott, who remained dear to her throughout the years.
Sandy’s greatest legacy is the family she built. She will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by all who knew her.
A pre-Mass visitation in her honor will be held at St. Mark the Evangelist R.C. Church in Lawrence Park (695 Smithson Ave) on Tuesday, October 6, at 12:00 noon. The visitation will be open to the public for all who wish to pay their respects and share memories. A 1:00 p.m. Mass will follow. Private interment will take place at Calvary Cemetery. Arrangements have been entrusted to the Dusckas Funeral & Cremation Services Harborcreek.
Memorial contributions may be made to St. James R.C. Church Maintenance Fund 2635. Buffalo Road, Erie, PA 16510. Condolences may be offered at www.dusckasfuneralhomes.com.