Mary was born in Chicago, Illinois, the daughter of Thomas Preradovich and Kristina Skala (or Skalova)Preradovich. When Mary was a young child, the marriage of her parents broke up. There is a story that Thomas decided to return to Europe, but there is no documentaion of this. However Kristina then married Vaclar (James) Strecha, and from that time forward, Mary always used "Strecha" as her maiden name.
In 1926, Mary wed Edward Walter Masterka in St. Joseph County, Indiana. Eddie, as he was known, worked at the local paper mill, and was also a shortstop in the Minor Leagues. Apparently the couple enjoyed dancing, because they won a number of dance contests doing "The Charleston."
Mary came of age during the 1920s, and her attitudes and fashion sense reflected this decade. To her neighbors and family, she was always known as "Modern" which was sometimes a term of endearment, and on occasion a sign of frustration.
In November of 1927 Mary gave birth to her only child, Edward James. The baby arrive during a torrential rainstorm, and there was some chaos in getting to the hospital, but in the end Mother & Baby were just fine. Mary was a doting Mother. Later in life, Mary struggled with her health, but she always had energy for two things: her Grandchildren, and for shopping. Sadly she passed away at home, just three days after her 67th birthday.
In 1926, Mary wed Edward Walter Masterka in St. Joseph County, Indiana. Eddie, as he was known, worked at the local paper mill, and was also a shortstop in the Minor Leagues. Apparently the couple enjoyed dancing, because they won a number of dance contests doing "The Charleston."
Mary came of age during the 1920s, and her attitudes and fashion sense reflected this decade. To her neighbors and family, she was always known as "Modern" which was sometimes a term of endearment, and on occasion a sign of frustration.
In November of 1927 Mary gave birth to her only child, Edward James. The baby arrive during a torrential rainstorm, and there was some chaos in getting to the hospital, but in the end Mother & Baby were just fine. Mary was a doting Mother. Later in life, Mary struggled with her health, but she always had energy for two things: her Grandchildren, and for shopping. Sadly she passed away at home, just three days after her 67th birthday.
Mary was born in Chicago, Illinois, the daughter of Thomas Preradovich and Kristina Skala (or Skalova)Preradovich. When Mary was a young child, the marriage of her parents broke up. There is a story that Thomas decided to return to Europe, but there is no documentaion of this. However Kristina then married Vaclar (James) Strecha, and from that time forward, Mary always used "Strecha" as her maiden name.
In 1926, Mary wed Edward Walter Masterka in St. Joseph County, Indiana. Eddie, as he was known, worked at the local paper mill, and was also a shortstop in the Minor Leagues. Apparently the couple enjoyed dancing, because they won a number of dance contests doing "The Charleston."
Mary came of age during the 1920s, and her attitudes and fashion sense reflected this decade. To her neighbors and family, she was always known as "Modern" which was sometimes a term of endearment, and on occasion a sign of frustration.
In November of 1927 Mary gave birth to her only child, Edward James. The baby arrive during a torrential rainstorm, and there was some chaos in getting to the hospital, but in the end Mother & Baby were just fine. Mary was a doting Mother. Later in life, Mary struggled with her health, but she always had energy for two things: her Grandchildren, and for shopping. Sadly she passed away at home, just three days after her 67th birthday.
In 1926, Mary wed Edward Walter Masterka in St. Joseph County, Indiana. Eddie, as he was known, worked at the local paper mill, and was also a shortstop in the Minor Leagues. Apparently the couple enjoyed dancing, because they won a number of dance contests doing "The Charleston."
Mary came of age during the 1920s, and her attitudes and fashion sense reflected this decade. To her neighbors and family, she was always known as "Modern" which was sometimes a term of endearment, and on occasion a sign of frustration.
In November of 1927 Mary gave birth to her only child, Edward James. The baby arrive during a torrential rainstorm, and there was some chaos in getting to the hospital, but in the end Mother & Baby were just fine. Mary was a doting Mother. Later in life, Mary struggled with her health, but she always had energy for two things: her Grandchildren, and for shopping. Sadly she passed away at home, just three days after her 67th birthday.
