Ann (Syrko) Batz

Ann (Syrko) Batz, 92, formerly of Hopewell Twp., passed away peacefully on Thursday, December 28, 2023, in Hillsborough, NC. Born of Ukrainian descent in Aliquippa, PA on April 2, 1931, she was the daughter of the late Anthony and Eva Syrko. Ann was a member of SS Peter and Paul Ukrainian Catholic Church in Aliquippa where she was a long-time member of St. Helene’s Guild. Ann’s upbringing as one of eight children on Plan 11 taught her how to work hard and care for others, and her life reflected these early lessons. It was her commitment to caring for her family that made all of us who loved her feel special. Further, Ann infused her caring with a quick and reliable sense of humor. We have many memories of Ann and her brothers and sisters, and later her children and grandchildren, laughing as they tried to cleverly outwit one another. In 1958, Ann married Walter Batz, and together they had three children. Ann was a devoted wife, mother, and homemaker with an eye for detail. Her children remember walking home from Five Points Elementary School for lunches where Ann thoughtfully included all their favorites. Later, when her children became adults and returned home for the holidays with their own partners and children, Ann prepared legendary Christmas Eve and Christmas Day meals, including favorites such as cabbage soup and pierogies, that were topped off with at least a dozen different types of homemade cookies, along with nut and poppyseed rolls. Often, while she cooked or baked in the kitchen, Ann’s radio was tuned to KDKA, broadcasting game updates for her beloved Pirates, Penguins, or Steelers. Ann will be deeply missed by her three children: Beth Ann Ghio (Andrew), David Batz, and Robert Batz (Mia). She is also survived by nine grandchildren: Christine Ghio Tauchen (Thiago), Kathleen Ghio Wasserman (Mike), Michael Ghio (Melanie), Caroline Ghio, Kali Batz, Simran Batz, Brian Batz, Kevin Batz, and Elise Batz, along with two great grandchildren and many loving nieces and nephews and their families. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Walter Batz in 2010, sisters, Olga Steed, Helen Leeber, and Irene Bontempo, and brothers, Michael, John, William, and George Syrko. Arrangements are being handled by Anthony Mastrofrancesco Funeral Home, 2026 McMinn Street, Aliquippa, PA 15001, where family and friends will be received at 9:00 AM on Friday, January 5, 2024, prior to a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00 AM at SS Peter and Paul Ukrainian Catholic Church, 2001 Main Street, Aliquippa, PA 15001. Interment will follow at Mt. Olivet Catholic Cemetery, Hopewell Township. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to SS Peter and Paul Ukrainian Catholic Church, 2001 Main Street, Aliquippa, PA 15001, or online to the Alzheimer’s Association.

Ann (Syrko) Batz

April 2, 1931 - December 28, 2023