Southbridge: Mary O. (Ottak) Liro, 99, passed away on Thursday, July 24th, in the UMass Memorial Medical Center, Memorial Campus, Worcester, after a short illness.

She was predeceased by her husband, Stephen F. Liro.  She leaves her son, Thomas Liro and his wife Carol of Webster; her daughter, Janis Liro of Longwood, FL; her three grandchildren, Jacob Liro and his wife Amy, Barton Liro and his wife Kimberly and Marlie Willer and her husband Brian; her six great grandchildren, Rowan, Bodhi, Wren, Quintin, William and Melia; and many nieces and nephews.  She also leaves several cousins in Poland.  She was predeceased by her two brothers, Chester Ottak and Frank Ottak.  Mary was born in Southbridge the daughter of Joseph and Mary (Zajac) Ottak.

Mary was the executive assistant for the president of Southbridge Co-Operative Bank (Now Savers Bank) for several years before becoming a full time homemaker for her family.  She later received her real estate license.  Mary was a devoted Catholic and a life long member of St. Hedwig's Church in Southbridge.  She served the church as a CCD Teacher, a Eucharistic Minister, a lector and sang in the church choir.  She was also a long time devoted member of St. Hedwig's Holy Rosary Sodality.  She was a member of the Polish Women's Club of the Pilsudski Polish American Citizen's Club in Southbridge.  Mary was a longtime active member of the Southbridge Women's Club, serving as it's President and Treasure.  She served on the Town of Southbridge Conservation Commission for 16 years.  As the Executrix of the Estate of Claire Birtz she was instrumental in helping to establish the Claire Birtz Wildlife Sanctuary in Southbridge.

Mary was an outstanding cook, especially Polish foods.  She could be often found working in the kitchens of St. Hedwig's Church and the Polish Club for their events.  Mary was an avid golfer and a longtime member at Heritage Country Club in Charlton and belonged to it's women's league.  She was also an avid college football fan, especially the Florida Gators and University of Notre Dame.  Mary loved her Camp on Big Alum Lake in Sturbridge.   Mary was a great lover of animals and had many beloved cats and dogs through the years.

The family would like to thank Laura's Guardian Angels for all the care and compassion they gave to Mary which gave her the ability to stay in her own home until her passing.

Her funeral will be held on Saturday, August 2nd, from the Daniel T. Morrill Funeral Home, 130 Hamilton St., Southbridge, with a Mass at 10:00am in St. Mary's Church of the St. John Paul II Parish, 263 Hamilton St., Southbridge.  Burial will follow in St. Hedwig's Cemetery, Southbridge.  Calling hours in the funeral home will be held on Friday, August 1st, from 5:00 to 7:00pm.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Second Chance Animal Shelter, 111 Young Rd., East Brookfield, MA 01515.