Obituary of Mary E. Gundel

Mary E. Gundel, 91, formerly of Harrisburg, died Saturday, December 12, 2015, at the Atrium of the Village at Penn State. Born October 1, 1924, in Harrisburg, she was the daughter of the late Edward and the late Emma Baum Gundel. Mary graduated from William Penn High School, in 1942. She graduated from Penn State University with a bachelor’s degree in Health and Physical Education in 1946 and a master’s degree in Counseling Education in 1953. Mary taught Health and Physical Education at Enola High School along with coaching varsity field hockey and basketball, advising the cheerleaders, and starting a marching band. In 1955, when Central Dauphin School District organized, she became a school counselor there. She also advised the cheerleaders and the Public Relations Club. When the Penn State Harrisburg Campus opened, she became the Director of Admissions and Registrar there. She organized the Lion Ambassadors Club on Campus. She is survived by her close friend, Annetta Pierce of State College; and three nephews, Michael Gundel, Brett Gundel, and Ted Gundel. In addition to her parents, Mary was preceded in death by her brothers, Edward Gundel. Jr. who died in the line of duty as a Pennsylvania State Police Officer in the 1960s, and Robert Gundel, who died during World War II while serving in the United States Naval Air Force. Mary was a member of the First Church of Christ Scientists, both in Harrisburg and State College. While teaching, she officiated high school and college basketball and field hockey games. She also belonged to the National Field Hockey Association Club Team from the Middle States Region. During her career, she belonged to the Pennsylvania School Counselors and Admission Officers Association and served as the president for a term. She also served as the Alumni Representative for the College of Health and Physical Education at Penn State for a four year term. She was a sports enthusiast and an avid Penn State fan. She was a Lady Lion fan for over 30 years, having established a basketball scholarship before she retired. She supported philanthropic endeavors at her Church and Penn State, including having a tree planted at the Arboretum in memory of her parents and two brothers, and supporting the Blue Band building. She was also a member of the Mount Nittany Society, the Atherton Society, and the Central Pennsylvania Sports Hall of Fame. A visitation will be held from 7:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, December 17, 2015 at Koch Funeral Home, 2401 S. Atherton St., State College with a memorial service following at 7:30 p.m. at the funeral home. Memorial contributions may be directed to The Pennsylvania State University, The Office of Annual Giving C/O Mark Rudloff, 27 Old Main, University Park, PA 16802 to benefit Women’s Basketball or the College of Education; or to First Church of Christ, Scientist, 617 E. Hamilton Ave., State College, PA 16801, in memory of Mary E. Gundel. Arrangements are under the care of Koch Funeral Home, State College. Online condolences and signing of the guest book may be entered at www.kochfuneralhome.com.