There is a concept in genealogy research called FANS – friends, associates, and neighbors of your family. Knowing the names can help find a family member on a census or other record. These wedding photographs were taken and saved by Mary Mirota, at Our Lady of Lourdes Roman Catholic Church, of her friends and neighbors in Whitehouse Station, Readington Township, Hunterdon County, New Jersey.

This lovely photo of Stanley and Mary Szurick Mazur above, includes Mike Szurick and Martha Vladich, and in the back Joe Mazur and Helen Dycha or Dichar. I’ve seen both spellings for her last name. Our family also had a beautiful formal studio portrait of the Szurick – Mazur wedding party that we sent to the Mazur family this May. My sister and I always love hearing from people that have ties to the families we blog about. The two Marys were lifelong friends.

A while back I heard from Mrs. Szczeck’s daughter-in-law, and she said how much she had heard about Mary, and such good things. That was music to my ears. I think we all want our loved ones to be remembered kindly. This newspaper clipping below was saved by Mary in one of her photograph books.

These next photos are from a January wedding at Our Lady of Lourdes Roman Catholic Church, of George Radomski and Dorothy Daggett in 1945. It looks like they had a lot of snow to deal with!

I think the maid of honor was Betty Daggett, Dorothy’s sister, and the best man was Charles Radomski, George’s brother.

George and Dorothy Radomski built a house near the Radomski farm and homestead. Dorothy, often called Dot, and Mary also became lifelong friends, and members of the Rosary Altar Guild of Our Lady of Lourdes.

I hope these photographs bring joy to the families. Sometimes photos get lost or ruined or simply not shared, and I know how much a re-discovered photo can mean to a family member. I love looking at the happy people at the church, gathered around the newly married couples. If anyone has any corrections or additions of names please let me know. I also realize that all of these men were veterans of World War Two, and I give thanks for their service to the USA.

Copyright 2016 by Maryann Barnes and Genealogy Sisters.