Mary Catherine Chornesky

Mary Catherine Chornesky of Washington, DC passed suddenly on December 5, 2020 at the age of 93 years. Mary was born in Birmingham, England to Mary O’Hara Vyse and Fred Vyse. As a young girl, she survived the German bombing blitz in WWII. She excelled in school and was certified by the London School of Apothecaries in 1945. Mary met George Chornesky, a US Army medic, at the end of WWII, at the University of Birmingham. George was stationed in Birmingham for medical Classes. They fell in love and wrote to each other every day. George was accepted to the University of Geneva in Switzerland, Medical School . On his way there, he stopped in England to wed Mary. They both became fluent French speakers. Mary and George returned to the United States, where George interned at Massachusetts General Hospital. They then settled in Washington, DC. Mary had a zest for life and was passionate about children, ideas, art and culture which she shared with her children. She was immersed in projects at their schools, always attending special events and volunteering, or participating as a Girl Scout leader. She later became a certified tutor and helped scores of children to graduate high school. Mary loved reading and started the Chevy Chase Great Books. As a certified pharmacist, she assisted a generation of children who lined up for sugar cubes for protection from polio. She was a master bridge player. Mary is survived by her beloved husband of 76 years, Dr. George Chornesky; her children Adam Chornesky, Danielle Chornesky, Alexia Levite, and Elizabeth Chornesky; her grandchildren Michael Chornesky, Benjamine Wahle, Hannah Levite and Ian Wahle; her sister Patricia King and brother Laurence Vyse. Services will be held at the Jesus the Good Shephard Church, 1601 W Mt Harmony Rd, Owings, MD 20736, on January 15th at 11:00 am for family and friends. Face masks and social distancing will be required. No gathering to pay respects prior to service. Contributions in memory of Mary Catherine Chornesky may be directed to Saint Jude’s Hospital for children Memorial Gift Fund. To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Mary Catherine Chornesky please visit our Sympathy Store.