In 1956, Chester, a 24 year old Catholic man, marries 23 year old Mary Ruth, recent widow and mother of one. She converts to Catholicism to appease her Polish-born in-laws, who wouldn't hear of their 1st generation American born son marrying a non-Catholic. She and her 5 year old daughter, join the church and the family.
After 10 years together, in 1966, Chester and Mary realize that they will not be able to conceive a biological child, and decide to adopt. They visit the Children's Aid Society and add their names to the long waiting list for white newborns, and don't expect to be receiving a call for at least a year or two.
Suprisingly, six weeks later, they receive a call that there is a healthy, white, newborn girl awaiting them. When they inquire as to how this happened so quickly, they are told they are the first Catholic family on the waiting list, and therefore, have first option on the baby. They pick up their newborn girl on November 5, 1966, where she joins her sister, Barb, age 15, in the household. She is baptized at SS Phillips & James Church, in New Castle, Pennsylvania, shortly thereafter. Her godparents are her paternal uncle, Charles and her paternal aunt, Genevieve.
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