Mary Ann Parznik

Mary Ann Parznik, 68, of Meadville, PA, formerly of Reading, PA, passed away on August 12th in Erie PA.

Born on August 2, 1958, Mary Ann entered the world prematurely, weighing just over two pounds. She was born with cerebral palsy and lost her vision at birth. From the very beginning, Mary Ann faced challenges that would have been difficult for anyone, yet she lived her life with remarkable strength, determination, and courage.

Mary Ann attended the Matheny School for the Blind in New Jersey and later graduated from Reading High School in 1981. She continued her education at Edinboro University, earning a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology in 1985 and a Master’s degree in Rehabilitation Counseling in 1987.

Mary Ann dedicated her professional life to helping others achieve greater independence. She worked in York, Pennsylvania, at the York County Center for Independent Living, Citizens for Independent Living, where she served as a Nursing Home Transition Counselor. Later, she continued her work with Voices for Independence (VFI) as a contracted Peer and Nursing Home Transition Counselor.

In 1991, Mary Ann was appointed by Governor Robert P. Casey to the Pennsylvania Statewide Independent Living Council (SILC), where she served for six years. During her tenure, Mary Ann was instrumental in bringing Waiver Services to Pennsylvania and securing funding for Centers for Independent Living. Her leadership helped expand opportunities for Pennsylvanians with disabilities to live independently and receive the services and support they needed in their communities.

Also in 1991, Mary Ann became engaged to Bruce Roland. Together, they built a loving and independent life for 35 years. Their life together was a reflection of Mary Ann’s belief that people with disabilities should have the freedom, dignity, and opportunity to choose how and where they live.

In 1993, Mary Ann became part of the group that would later become Voices for Independence. She was one of the incorporators of VFI, served as one of its original board members, and became the organization’s first secretary. She dedicated seven years to serving on the VFI Board.

Mary Ann’s commitment to disability rights extended far beyond her professional responsibilities. She was a passionate advocate for the rights and independence of individuals with disabilities. She advocated for accessible lifts on Greyhound buses, curb cuts in Erie and Meadville, attendant care services throughout Pennsylvania, and the enforcement of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

Her advocacy was rooted in personal experience and a deep belief that everyone deserves equal access, independence, dignity, and the opportunity to participate fully in their community. Mary Ann did not simply speak about change—she worked to make it happen.

Mary Ann was the beloved daughter of the late Michael S. and Elizabeth C. (Miller) Parznik.

In addition to her fiancée, Bruce, she is survived by her brothers, Richard (Barbara) Parznik and Steven (Lisa) Parznik; nieces, Tori (Adam) Dreibilbis and Stephanie Parznik; nephews, Zachary Parznik and William Parznik; and great-nieces, Makayla, Morgan, and Harper.

In addition to her parents, Mary Ann was preceded in death by her brother, Michael Parznik, Jr.

Mary Ann’s life was a testament to courage, perseverance, compassion, leadership, and advocacy. Born weighing just over two pounds, without sight and with cerebral palsy, she defied expectations throughout her life. She pursued higher education, built a loving and independent home with Bruce, established a meaningful career, served in leadership roles, and fought tirelessly for the rights of others with disabilities.

Her legacy can be seen in the organizations she helped build, the policies she helped advance, the accessibility improvements she advocated for, and the countless people whose lives were changed because she was willing to speak up and fight for what was right.

Mary Ann will be lovingly remembered by Bruce, her family, friends, colleagues, fellow advocates, and the countless individuals whose lives she touched. Her courage, determination, compassion, and unwavering commitment to equality will continue to inspire those who knew her and those who benefit from the changes she helped make possible.

She will be deeply missed and forever remembered.

Friends and family are invited to call at Burton Quinn-Scott Cremation and Funeral Services, Inc, 602 W. 10th St., Erie on Wednesday, August 19th, from 11 AM until the time of memorial service at 12 PM.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in Mary Ann’s name to Voices for Independence, Attn: Nick Consoli, 1432 Wilkins Road, Erie, PA 16505.