Mary Alyce Konesky, age 87, longtime resident of Spokane, passed away peacefully on September 16, 2025.
She was born on May 18, 1938 to Louis and Marie (Howe) Petersmith in Great Falls, MT. Mary Alyce and her younger sister, JoAnne (Hagen), lost their mother to tuberculosis when Mary Alyce was just 7 years old. They were raised by their father and maternal grandmother, with their father passing in 1958.
Mary Alyce attended Catholic schooling, including the Ursuline Academy, Great Falls Central Catholic HS and the College of Great Falls where she graduated Magna cum Laude in Sociology. It was there she met fellow student Richard Konesky; they were married on August 25, 1962, and had their oldest daughter Lynne the following year. Son Mike and daughters Beth and Anne followed within the next 6 years as the family moved from Idaho to New York to Colorado - finally landing in Spokane for Richard's job with IBM.
Mary Alyce was a devoted homemaker who loved raising her children. She and Richard maintained a wonderful, supportive marriage until his passing of a heart attack in 1995. Mary Alyce enjoyed many pastimes including golf, bowling, skiing, water aerobics and bridge. She prepared home cooked meals, and passed on her love for baking chocolate chip cookies to her children and 11 grandchildren. Scrabble was a favorite game, and she was always willing to take on any competitors - even learning how to play online with long distance family members. She laughed often with her close sister, JoAnne, and spent many beautiful days with family at her brother-in-law Ken's place on Lake Coeur d'Alene. Mary Alyce had a strong faith and her Catholic church community was very important to her. She donated time and money to various charities, delivering food for years to the homebound with Meals on Wheels.
She was an avid sports fan and followed a number of sports teams, especially the Denver Broncos and Notre Dame Fighting Irish. Mary Alyce could provide stats on various teams and players, and attended many live sporting events. She also enjoyed traveling, and visited the different cities where her children have lived. Her favorite vacation destination was Maui, and she was fortunate to have visited the Holy Land in addition to several European countries.
Due to failing health Mary Alyce moved to Colorado in January 2025 to be close to family. She enjoyed seeing her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren at a family reunion in July.
Survived by daughters, Lynne (Tom) Patzelt of Lakeway, TX, Beth Konesky of Highlands Ranch, CO, Anne (Craig) Johnson of Monument, CO and son, Mike (Jacki) Konesky of Huntington Beach, CA; 11 grandchildren and 4 great-grandchildren; sister, JoAnne Hagen, nephew, Greg (Shanda) Hagen and niece, Lisa Hagen; brother-in-law Ken (Marie) Kapstafer, nephew, Kent Kapstafer and nephew, James Kapstafer.
Preceded in death by husband, Richard Konesky and parents, Louis and Marie Petersmith.
The family would like to thank Brookdale Memory Care and Abode Hospice staff for their support.

Memorial Service to be held on October 4, 2025 at 2pm, Holy Cross Cemetery Chapel. Inurnment following service. Reception 4-6pm at The Onion, 7522 N Division.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Catholic Charities.