Mary Irene (Zima) Banotai, 84, of Allentown, passed away on Thursday, September 20, 2007 in Lehigh Valley Hospital, Cedar Crest.
Born on November 9, 1922 in Egypt, PA, she was the daughter of the late John L. and Agnes (Bochnak) Zima. In 1946, she wed her beloved husband of 61 years, Joseph G. "Barney" Banotai. She was a waitress in the Allentown area for over 30 years. She is survived by two brothers, John C. Zima and Peter P. Zima of Northampton, and a sister, Frances Brown, of Bethlehem. Mary enjoyed festivals, bingo, cooking, family gatherings, politics and, most of all, her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She was a past member of the St. Stephen's Ladies Guild.
Mary was a devoted mother to Joseph C. Banotai, of Salisbury Township, Christina M. Manelski, wife of Thomas and Thomas J. Banotai, husband of Valerie, all of Allentown. She was cherished by her grandchildren Theresa Shelhamer, of Allentown, Matthew Manelski of Doylestown, Alyssa Banotai of Salisbury Township, Adam Banotai of Schnecksville, Kaitlin Banotai of West Chester and Joel Banotai of Allentown. She treasured her great-grandchildren Madeline Shelhamer of Allentown and Ella Rose Manelski of Doylestown.
Services: Friends may call from 8:15 to 10:15 a.m. Tues. at Weber Funeral Home, 1619 W. Hamilton St., Allentown. Mass of Christian burial at 11 a.m. at St. Stephen's of Hungary Church, 510 Union St., Allentown. Arrangements entrusted to Weber Funeral Home (www.weberfuneralhomes.com)