Remembering Agnes Chesko

Some people are so extraordinary they cannot pass without noticing. Agnes Grady Chesko who died on April 18, 2015 at the age of 94 was one of them. While Agnes would have been remarkable at any age, to have accomplished those things that she did and continued to do at an age when many just sit at home in a recliner truly marks her as a senior heroine and role model. Agnes always had a new idea and a new plan.

Although I knew Agnes had been a teacher, I did not know some of her accomplishments until reading recent reports but they were not surprising. A graduate of Immaculata University, she was a trailblazer.  What I did not know is that she worked as an extra in the “Mighty Macs” movie or was a college basketball player. I did not know she started a class for boys in shop and girls in home economics to trade places although that would be just like her or that she also taught at the Chester County Hospital School of Nursing. I did know, though, that Agnes was a devoted volunteer for groups like “Friends of Everhart Park” which preserves the beautiful parks near her and my home and I do know her community organizing. Whether writing, volunteering, or organizing, she always knew what she wanted to do next.

I first met Mrs. Chesko when I moved to West Chester Borough about 30 years ago.   She was my Republican Committee Woman. It was not long before I registered to vote at my new address and, honestly, I cannot remember how I was convinced to run for Borough Council, but I did in 1991 and Agnes was there with me walking up and down the steps asking people to vote for me. We must have knocked on the door of every family in the 6th Ward, West Chester. I won and served on Council from 1992 to 1996. Through many changes including my change in registration Agnes was always my friend but she was much more.

From time to time I would receive a postcard from a strange foreign address. It was usually Agnes. Agnes’ nominal address was West Chester Borough but her actual address was the world. Agnes loved to travel. Was she riding a camel in the Middle East or was she on some Pacific Island? I never knew until I glanced down the card. How she managed to take the time to write to friends while she was away I’ll never know.

Agnes was not alone and did not explore these things solo. She was all about family. Widowed earlier on, she continued to raise her children and, in particular, to care for her son, Robert. Agnes served on the Boards of the ARC of Chester County and Handicrafters and championed the disabled. In an uphill battle, she, and especially her daughter, Pat, have been advocates and reminded people in politics of the special needs community.

Agnes could have remained at home since she certainly deserve it, and pursued her volunteering and advocacy interests but, instead, decided to return to work at age 83 as a tipstaff to Judge John Hall in the Chester County Court of Common Pleas. She continued to work until recently when she was hit by a car while crossing the walkway from the Justice Center to the parking garage. According to www.chicagogaragedoor.com, even following this serious injury, she continued to plan ahead and make plans for the future.

These are the messages that Agnes Chesko leaves behind for us. That no matter the hardship, there is always something positive to see in the future. That you make your own future. It does not depend on things going well for you. That there is always something to be laughed about and enjoyed. That there is no point in complaining when there is still work to be done that has meaning. That age is only a number and so long as you can get up the next day and move on, you can make it. That family and friends matter. That you can see the world from your own front door and travel it too. That you never give up. We will miss you, Agn

About the Author Janet Colliton

Esquire, Colliton Law Associates, P.C. Janet Colliton has practiced law for over 38 years, 37 of them in Chester County, Pennsylvania, a suburb of Philadelphia. Her practice, Colliton Law Associates, PC, is limited to elder law, Medicaid, including advice, applications and appeals, and other benefits planning including Veterans benefits, life care and special needs planning, guardianships, retirement, and estate planning and administration.

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