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Thursday, August 31, 2017
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Daniel Proko posted a condolence
Thursday, January 10, 2013
Shirley Ann Proko (Prendergast) of Leesburg, Virginia passed away on January 8, 2012 at the age of 82 due to natural causes.
On August 9, 1930, Shirley was born in a small coal mining village, Thompson No. 2, near Uniontown and Republic, Pennsylvania to Joseph and Mary Prendergast as the second of four children (Margaret, Mary Ann, and Thomas). Her paternal grandparents emigrated from Scotland and Northern Ireland, and her maternal grandparents emigrated from what was then Nadabula, Hungary, now Slovakia. Shirley's Hungarian-born grandparents owned the local general store and basement "speakeasy" near Republic, Pennsylvania where her parents and their siblings lived, centered around the local mining operations and service businesses. Together the family endured the aftermath of the Great Depression, the impact of World War II, and the decline of the local coal industry.
Shirley moved with her mother and siblings to Arlington, Virginia in 1947, where she graduated from Washington-Lee High School the following year. She sought clerical work with the government and secured a position with the Civil Service, where she met Dan Proko, who was working for the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA). The couple married in 1956 and started a family of four children (Eugene, Danny, Rosalie, and Rita). Shirley became a full-time mother while traveling the world and raising her children in the United Kingdom, Germany, and Australia. The Proko family eventually returned home to settle down in Sterling, Virginia, where Shirley enjoyed watching classic movies with her mother and sisters, shopping, and spending time with her family, while working full-time.
In the early 70's, Shirley joined the CIA workforce alongside her husband, where her career varied from clerical and reports officer to career development for the Agency's officers. With her sons heading into the military during the late 70's and her daughters heading off to college in the early 80's, Shirley worked for another decade and was eventually blessed with the birth of her first four grandchildren (Jake, David, Daniel, and Natalie). She received one of the CIA's top outstanding service awards upon retiring in 1990 with the respect of her coworkers and now growing family after a very successful career. Later that year, Shirley lost her daughter Rosalie due to complications from Leukemia, which had a great impact on the entire family.
In 1991, while gardening at her and Dan's retirement lake home, Shirley suffered an aneurysm, which hampered her mobility and dramatically altered her personality, as well as her near-term memory. As a result of miraculous medical treatment at the University of Virginia, she survived and retained many of her amazing traits and incredible sense of humor, while becoming much more frank and outspoken. For over the next two decades, Dan was by her side at every waking moment to help her every step of the way along with the devotion of her children, grandchildren (now including Nicholas and Michael Trent), and great-grandchildren (Ryan, Abigail, and Emma). Together the family went on to celebrate numerous milestones, including the couple's 50th Anniversary, and Shirley lived the rest of her days doing what she loved most in life - watching classic movies, singing along to her favorite songs, and spending time with her loved ones.
Shirley taught us the definition of strength, the importance of family, and the meaning of life. She brought us all together to teach us that we should never give up in the face of adversity. She brought us all together to teach us that there is not only safety, but strength in numbers. She brought us all together to teach us that we should truly appreciate each and every day that we have on this earth. Shirley survived against all odds when we needed her the most, and now it's up to us to celebrate her life and lead our own by her example.
Shirley is survived by her husband Dan and their three children and spouses; Eugene (Corinna), Danny (Renee Remick), and Rita (Wes); six grandchildren (Jake, David, Daniel, Natalie, Nicholas, and Michael Trent); and three great-grandchildren (Ryan, Abigail, and Emma).
The family will receive guests from 5 to 8 p.m. on Friday, January 11 at Adams-Green Funeral Home, 721 Elden Street, Herndon, VA. A graveside service will take place at noon on Saturday, January 12 at Mount Comfort Cemetery, 6600 State Route 663 Alexandria, VA. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (www.lls.org) in the name of her late daughter, Rosalie Proko. Arrangements have been made by Adams-Green Funeral Home.
The family would like to extend our deepest appreciation to the staff at the Loudoun Long Term Center Nursing Home in Leesburg, Virginia for their dedication to Shirley and our family.
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Diane Obaugh posted a condolence
Thursday, January 10, 2013
TO THOSE I LOVE AND THOSE WHO LOVE ME
When I am gone, release me, let me go. I have so many things to see and do. You mustn't tie yourself to me with tears, be happy that we had so many years. I gave you my love. You can only guess how much you gave to me in happiness. I thank you for the love you each have shown, but now it's time I traveled on alone. So grieve a while for me if grieve you must. Then let your grief be comforted by trust. It's only for a while that we must part. So bless the memories within your heart. I won't be far away, for life goes on. So if you need me, call and I will come. Though you can't see or touch me, I'll be near. And if you listen with your heart, you'll hear all of my love around you soft and clear. And then, when you must come this way alone, I'll greet you with a smile, and "Welcome Home."
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David F. Frazier posted a condolence
Thursday, January 10, 2013
David F. Frazier purchased flowers (Mixed flowers in a handled basket)
Proko, You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers. With Deepest Sympathy, David, Cheryl and Brandon
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Mary Hunt posted a condolence
Thursday, January 10, 2013
Mary Hunt purchased flowers (Green and blooming garden planter)
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Diane Obaugh posted a condolence
Thursday, January 10, 2013
My deepest sympathy to the Proko family. She fought a hard battle for so many years. She did this because of the love and support of her wonderful family every day. My thoughts and prayers are with you as you go through this very difficult time.
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Jill Raschiatore posted a condolence
Wednesday, January 9, 2013
Jill Raschiatore purchased flowers (Pink Tribute Spray)
With deepest sympathy, The Stone Bridge Math Department