MARY B. GRANUS

Mary Barbara Granus, 82, died Jan. 4, 2008, at home in Wasilla with family at her side.

Memorial Mass and luncheon will be held at noon, Friday, Jan. 11 for family and friends at Sacred Heart Catholic Church on Bogard Road. Father Bill Fournier will officiate.

Granus was born Feb. 24, 1925 in Wilkes-Barre, Penn., to Louis and Antoinett Sagar. She graduated from high school there, and came to Alaska in 1952, living in Palmer, Anchorage and finally Wasilla.

Granus and her late husband, Walter, were the former owners of the Glass Bar and Lounge in Palmer, as well as being the former owners of the Valley View Poultry Farm and later she was manager of Carrs Oaken Keg in Anchorage.

She was a devout parishioner of Sacred Heart Catholic Church who volunteered for the Wasilla Crisis Line, and also belonged to two bowling leagues in Wasilla. She was an avid reader, gardener and a devoted mother.

“She was a great pioneer woman who came to Alaska in 1952 to live in Palmer with her husband, Walter, to coal mine,” her family wrote. “Mary was spunky and full of life! She was kind, loving, compassionate, and loved her children unconditionally. She was a wonderful mother and friend who supported her children in their dreams and pursuits. Mom always knew how to comfort and make you feel good. We will miss you Mom!”

Granus is survived by her son Walter P. (Andrea) Granus of Palmer; daughters Coleen Granus (Paul Munoz) of Anchorage and Cathy (Carl) Heffentrager of Belfast, Maine; grandson Scott Granus of Big Lake; granddaughters Katie Kenney of Anchorage, Heidi Granus of San Diego, Calif., and Megan Heffentrager of Forest Hill, Calif.; great-granddaughters Kaelynn Granus of Wasilla, Madison Kenney of Anchorage; and her beloved cat Sylvester.

She is preceded in death by her husband, Walter S. Granus; sister Eleanor Mrak; and brother Frank Sagar.

Flowers may be delivered to Sacred Heart Church Friday morning, prior to Mass.

Valley Funeral Homes & Crematory of Wasilla and Palmer assisted the Family.