Love of bowling, competitive spirit drive Freeport woman, 84

Freeport resident Rosemary Mazza lives her life by one motto: “Always have something to look forward to.”

Mazza, 84, has looked forward to bowling every Tuesday at Wildlife Lanes in Lower Burrell for more than 50 years.

“It's a fun league,” she said. “I just enjoy it and enjoy the people.”

Mazza started bowling in the “Top Cats” league around 1964 to have some time to herself away from her husband and seven children.

It quickly turned into a hobby she loved, and she made it a point to fit into her schedule.

“I have a large family, and I had seven kids in eight and a half years,” she said. “I've always been busy.”

Mazza said she considers bowling a form of exercise and it gives her a reason to wake up in the morning.

“It gets you out of the house,” she said.

Mazza's team member Joan Kunkle, 74, said she's been bowling with her for about 15 years. She said Mazza is fun to play with but is a fierce competitor.

“She always has a little comment to make,” Kunkle joked.

Mazza is known for wearing her signature pink outfits. This year, she also wears pink shoes.

“They're new for her,” Kunkle said. “Pink is her favorite color.”

Mazza's other team member Marge Miller, 57, met her only about a month ago, but she's already made an impression.

“She's very outgoing,” Miller said.

Mazza said Miller is carrying their team right now at first place.

“She's my champion,” Mazza said.

League president Suzanne Croissant has known Mazza for almost the whole time she's been bowling.

“She's crazy, but we love her dearly,” Croissant said. “She's a lot of fun.”

Wildlife Lanes owner Mark McCandless said he has loved seeing Mazza every Tuesday for the past 18 years that he has owned the business.

“She's a delight to have,” he said. “She has the perfect demeanor.”

Mazza's daughter Karen Mazza, 54, said her mom has been bowling her whole life. She's glad her mom has a group of women she can meet with every week.

“They'll give each other high fives, and they're real complimentary of each other,” she said.

Karen said her mom has always been known for her positive attitude.

“She's got a real upbeat personality, and she's happy go lucky,” she said. “She'd wake up in a good mood.”

One of Mazza's other daughters, Patti Bieranowski, 50, used to bowl in the league with her mom. She said those are some of her favorite memories.

“We had a blast every time,” Bieranowski said. “To do anything with her is just fun.”

Mazza said her highest average over the years was 150. Although her average has gone down, as long as she can still get the ball down the lane, she's happy.

“I'm just lucky that I have the good health to do it,” Mazza said. “Every day you wake up is another good day.”

Emily Balser is a freelance writer for Trib Total Media.