On Wednesday; Feb. 16; 2005; at 3:24 p.m.; Mary Ann Toia; of Lynnwood (Belle Vernon); was called home to be with the Lord. She was the former Mary Ann Sowko of Monessen. Born Sept. 21; 1929; she was a daughter of the late Rudolph and Julia Lenio Sowko. She had a sister; Matilda Sowko Stimmel; who survives and resides in Bethel Park. Mary Ann married Alexander Toia of North Belle Vernon on Aug. 7; 1954. They celebrated their 50th anniversary this past August with family and friends. She was a 1947 graduate of Monessen High School and a 1951 graduate of the University of Pittsburgh; where she studied pharmacy. She served the Mon Valley communities as a pharmacist for over 40 years; working at Fee’s Pharmacy in Fayette City; Fee’s Pharmacy in Charleroi (originally Fogel’s Pharmacy); the Medicine Shoppe in Monessen; and the Centerville Clinic; among others. Mary Ann also worked very hard to support her husband Alex in his income tax preparation business. After retiring in 1992; she enjoyed spending time with her family; including her oldest son; Thomas Toia and his wife; Cindy Hufford; of North Huntingdon; younger son; Greggory Toia and Susan; and children; Joshua and Greggory Alexander; of Belle Vernon; and her daughter; Lee Ann McDowell and husband; Timothy; and her third newborn grandson; Samuel Alexander; of Churchill. Mary Ann was a member of St. Sebastian Roman Catholic Church; the Catholic Daughters of America; and a longtime member of the local Civic Club. She also loved playing bridge with her Tuesday night bridge club; to which she belonged for over 30 years. Mary Ann will be missed by her family and friends and will always be remembered by her selfless; giving character which is a characteristic of a true Christian. We will look forward to seeing her one day again in heaven. Friends will be received from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. Friday in the FERGUSON FUNERAL HOME INC. AND CREMATION SERVICE; a Golden Rule Member Firm; 724-929-5300; 700 Broad Ave.; Belle Vernon. A blessing service will be in the funeral home Saturday; followed by a funeral Mass to be celebrated at 10:30 a.m. in St. Sebastian Roman Catholic Church. Interment will follow in Belle Vernon Cemetery.