Maria A. Prohaska

Maria A. Prohaska was a very special woman and what gave her the greatest joy was sharing herself with her family, offering them the most precious thing she possessed – her time. It is a gift none of them will ever forget.

Maria was born in Konstanz an Bodensee in Germany on June 11, 1922, to Nicholas and Sofia (Mankowska) Rodionoff. Maria was an only child, and led a typical childhood . However, when the threat of war became reality, the family of three moved to Switzerland and remained safe throughout World War II.

It was while in Switzerland that Maria met the love of her life, Frederick “Fritz” Prohaska. The two fell in love and were happily married. In time, Fritz’s job as a university professor led them to move to Argentina, and it was here that the couple welcomed the births of their two children: Miguel and Irene. Maria was a devoted mother, who derived great joy from watching her children grew and succeed. Her children were bilingual from birth as the family spoke German in the house, but then when they went out and to school, they would speak Spanish. In 1964, the family moved across the ocean to the United States for Fritz’s job. This, of course, meant that she and the children had to learn another new language to fit into their new surroundings. After only 6 years in the U.S., Maria lost her beloved husband Fritz, who passed away.

For Maria, family was the greatest source of happiness in her life. Later, when she was blessed with four precious grandchildren, she considered it pure joy to spend every moment she could with them. Aside from doting on her family, Maria had many interests and hobbies to keep her busy. She was an accomplished painter, and enjoyed reading, writing and tending to her garden. Maria’s life was marked with love and compassion for her family and friends, and they will miss her dearly.

Special thanks to all the wonderful, caring and compassionate staff at Francis Haven at Clement Manor for taking such great care of Maria for the last two years. May she live in peace with the Lord.

Maria Prohaska, 89, passed away peacefully on Saturday, April 14, 2012. She was preceded in death by her husband, Fritz. Dear mother of Miguel (Joy) Prohaska and Irene (John) Aliota. Loving and proud granny of David, Angela, Anna-Marie, and Bridget. Special great-grandma of Samantha. Further survived by dear friends. Family and friends will gather on Wednesday, April 18, at Clement Manor Chapel, 3939 S. 92nd Street, from 10:00 a.m. until time of the Funeral Mass at 10:30 a.m. Interment at Holy Cross Cemetery.