Obituary of Mary Etzweiler

Mary A. Richard Etzweiler died peacefully in her sleep December 23, 2010, at her home surrounded by family. She was born June 5, 1921, in Lewistown, the daughter of the late Minnie V. Showers Richard Laub and the Rev. Jacob H. Richard. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by two sisters and eight brothers. On May 23, 1942, she married George A. Etzweiler, who survives at home. She is also survived by three children: Larry Etzweiler of Lawrenceville, N.J.; Shirley Fye (E. Ray) of Pennsylvania Furnace; and Charles Etzweiler (Sharon) of State College; four grandchildren: Robert Etzweiler (Natasha) of Putney, VT; Rachael Fye (Matthew Stauffer) and Jessica Namias of State College; and Alisha Etzweiler (Vasil Paraskevas) of Bellefonte; three great-grandchildren: Malik and Aaliyah Patterson and Vasil Paraskevas; one brother, B. Earl Richard of Lewistown; one sister-in-law, D. Lucille (Wagner) Etzweiler of Milroy; and nephews and nieces. Mary was a 1938 graduate of Yeagertown High School. She worked at Hartley's Potato Chip Company, Weis Grocery, and the State College Adult Education Pottery Program. She was a homemaker and a member of the University Baptist and Brethren Church, the State College Women's Club, and the Potters' Guild. She volunteered at State College Meals on Wheels (20 years), Centrepeace, Camp Blue Diamond, and many church functions. She was known for her hospitality and welcomed hundreds of persons into her home for food and fellowship. She will be missed by her family and her many friends. There will be an open Memorial Service and Reception celebrating Mary's life at the University Baptist and Brethren Church on Saturday, January 8, 2011, at 11 a.m. Memorial contributions can be made to the University Baptist and Brethren Church, 411 South Burrowes Street, State College; Heifer Project International at www.heifer.org; or the Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation at www.pulmonaryfibrosis.org.