Mary Karges Obituary

Mary Ann LaPorta Karges, widow of S/MSGT George Walter Karges, Sr. passed away on Thursday, November 11, 2021. She was 84 years old.

Born on August 14, 1937, in Brooklyn, New York, Mary was a devoted military wife, mother of 5, and grandmother to 14 children who will miss her unique personality, memorable holiday celebrations, and delicious crumb cakes. Married for 55 years to her beloved husband George, Mary thrived as a USAF bride during the Cold War era, living at remote Strategic Air Command bases around the US and then settling with their 5 children at Charleston AFB during the Vietnam War. At every base, Mary was the lady in charge at the NCO Wives Clubs, the Catholic Women's Guild, the Bowling League, and the PTA. She created a home where good food, commitment to education and reading, and fidelity to Catholic teaching gave her children a foundation for later success.

Mary leaves behind a rich legacy of family including, by order of birth: Dr. Linda Karges-Bone (Gary); George W. Karges, Jr (Teri); Dr. Ann Marie Watson (David, deceased); Patricia Karges Mallard (Herbert); and Michael Karges Jr. (Kim). Her brother Michael R. Laporta Sr. (Judy) of Austin, Texas and his family remains. She was predeceased by husband George; parents Anna and Michael LaPorta, sister Josephine Boscolo, and niece Irma Boscolo.

Mary Karges was a lively and intelligent woman who brought energy to every room. She loved learning and indeed met her future husband while she was studying to be a teacher at Plattsburgh State Teachers' College (Now SUNY: Plattsburgh) in upstate New York and George was posted at the nearby base. She taught all of her children to read before they entered school and was a faithful CCD Religious Instruction teacher for decades. The family was a fixture at St. John's Catholic Church in Summerville for over half a century. Mary was creative and resourceful, once making all four of her older children matching outfits out of a discarded bolt of cloth meant for curtains. She could make a meal out of nothing and decorate for holidays like an HGTV star. In later life, when Mary and George settled at Southern Palms Senior Living, she became part of an active group of walkers, card players, and bus trip aficionados. The family would like to thank the staff at Magnolias Assisted Living, especially Ashley, for their warmth and caring.

The family will receive friends at Parks Funeral Home in Summerville, SC on Thursday evening November 18, 2021 from 6:00 PM to 7:00 PM. The Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday, November 19, 2021 at 1:00 PM at St. John the Beloved Catholic Church. The Rite of Committal will follow at Carolina Memorial Park in North Charleston. Flowers will be accepted or gifts in memorial may be made to Summerville Catholic School.

Arrangements by PARKS FUNERAL HOME, 130 West 1st North Street, Summerville, SC 29483. www.parksfuneralhome.com.