Playing the organ at St. Lawrence Catholic Church was Mary Ann Reale's life. But last week, the torch was passed to the next generation.
Reale retired from her position as organist for the small church that she has belonged to all her life.
Now living in Manor Township, Reale grew up in the small mining town on the hill overlooking the Allegheny River and grew up as part of the congregation of St. Lawrence.
"It's been my life. I was baptized in the church and my family has always been a part of the church," she said. "My dad was the choir director for years, and then my husband John took over the choir."
Reale took piano lessons and learned how to play that instrument, but taught herself how to play the organ going into the church and practicing when she could.
"I admired the organist who played in church before me and it sparked my desire to play," she said. "The organ and its music bring me closer to Jesus and the Blessed Mother and provide the opportunity to serve Him more."
Reale first played the organ in church on Aug. 15, 1941, she recalled. "I couldn't believe I was actually playing the organ in church. I accompanied the choir and felt very proud because my father was the choir director, and my brother sang in the choir. It was an all around good feeling."
After nearly 70 years of playing the organ, however, Mary's health began to suffer, causing her to face the fact that her tenure was coming to an end.
"It just got to a point where I couldn't do it anymore," she said. "It was like the bottom had just dropped out of my life and I'm left with this deep hole that I'm not sure how I am going to fill."
Rev. Edward Volz, pastor at St. Lawrence, praised Mary Ann's dedication to the music and the church.
"She has provided the music for countless weddings, funerals and special occasions, along with the church services," he said. "We thank her for her time, her talent and the music that will always have a special place in the memories of the St. Lawrence family."
The church held a special service the day of Reale's retirement, followed by a dinner in her honor.
Patrick Shuster is a staff writer for the Leader-Times in Kittanning.
