Margaret Augustine Pracko

Margaret Augustine Pracko, formerly of Natrona, passed away Monday, December 12, 2016. She was born in Natrona to Frank and Anna (Dubovan) Augustine. She was a resident of Natrona most of her life, living in Tarentum only six years when first married. She graduated from Har-Brack High school. Margaret worked for 15 years for the doctors group in the Fishkin Building in Tarentum, working for a consortium of doctors, including Dr. Fishkin, Dr. Zahorchak and Dr. Cross. She assisted at operations, did eye exams, administered shots and generally assisted the doctors in all procedures. She also acted as interpreter for the Slovak and Polish patients and was much loved. After her children were in school, she returned to the workforce, working as a reading teacher aide, initially at St. Mathias School, then for many years at various schools within the Highlands School District. She loved the children and taught them with patience and caring. Over the years, many of those she taught met her as adults and told her how much her help and kindness had meant to them. Few things provided her with such happiness as those comments. She was a lifelong member of St. Mathias Church until it closed. She was proud of her Slovak heritage and was active in the campaign to keep St. Mathias open. When her church closed, she became a member of St. Joseph Church and attended St. Ladislaus Worship site. Mrs. Pracko was a devout Catholic and had a lifelong devotion to the Blessed Mother. In addition to saying the rosary every night along with the rosary on the radio, she said the rosary aloud for the congregation before Mass in church each day for many years. When a member of St. Mathias she had also led the congregation on Monday evenings in May, the month of the Blessed Mother, and in October, the month of the Holy Rosary, praying the rosary alternately in Slovak and in English. Many people asked her to pray for them and for their special intentions and she always did so with great love and devotion. As a member of St. Mathias Parish, she was an active member of the Parent-Teachers Guild, serving as president for several years, for St. Mathias School. She was a longtime member of the Catholic Daughters of America. She was an incredible cook, especially of her Slovak dishes. She is survived by her son, Mark A. Pracko, Natrona Heights and her daughter, Michelle L. Pracko, Blawnox. In additions to her parents, she was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Aloysius R. Pracko, her brothers, Louis F. and Stephen M. Augustine and her sisters, Mary A. Penman, Anna Augustine, Sophie J. Lascek and Louise Molnar. Visitation 2-4 and 6-8PM , Tuesday in the Duster Funeral Home, Inc. 347 E 10th Ave, Tarentum, 724-224-1526. Christian Funeral Mass will be celebrated Wednesday at 10 AM in St. Ladislaus Church, Natrona. Entombment in Our Lady of Hope Mausoleum, Frazer Twp. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the fund for the Rosary on the Radio via the Bellvue Knights of Columbus, Council #1400, 450 Lincoln Ave, Bellvue, PA 15202. VISIT: dusterfuneralhomeinc.com