Obituary of Mary Thompson Ormsby

Mary passed from this mortal life quietly and peacefully in her sleep on July 31^st, 2021 in her home of over 65 years; 151 West South Hills Avenue, State College, PA. She was surrounded by her family at the time of her passing at the grad age of 94.

Mary was born to Philip and Genevieve Thompson in Curwensville, PA on February 7^th 1927. She was the youngest of 4 children. Her brothers Harold, Jack and her sister Helen have all preceded her in death. She was born at the family home resided there, later in Phillipsburg, and during her high school years in Tyrone, PA. She moved to State College in 1951 with her Husband Harold residing on Buckout Street for 5 years. In 1956 she moved with her family of four to her current residence on West South Hills Avenue.

She was married to Harold Joseph Nearhoof on February 7^th 1947 in Tyrone. Her grandfather Rev. Newton Shirey presided over the service. She is survived by her two children Tina Fulton, Steve Nearhoof; and by her grandchildren Eliza, Lindsay, and Robert and great grandchildren Harvey and Mya.

Her second marriage to Harry Ormsby was a civil ceremony in Huntingdon PA on July 17^th 1995. From that marriage she is survived by three step children Karen, Jim, Dave and Doug. Three step children Terry, Lee, and Pam, proceeded her in death.  She is also survived by 16 grand children and 29 great grandchildren.

She has been a senior member of St Paul’s United Methodist Church since moving from Tyrone to State College in 1951. Many beloved friends, who were members of that church, have also passed from this life in recent years. Mary’s thoughts and prayers were always them.

Mary’s life accomplishments were not marked by fanfare or measured by awards and trophies but, like others of her generation, were reflected in her unwavering love and support for others. With her parents gone by the time she was 20 and having her formative years marred by a worldwide depression she knew adversity first hand. She rarely spoke about the bad times but mostly reflected on the good and funny times she had growing up with her younger brother Jack always reflecting on their summers together with her Grandpa and Grandma Shirey at their home in Curwensville.  Like all of the parents of the 50’s, she showered her family with love and personal comforts that we kids mostly took for granted. Her actions toward us and others were always based on her younger life’s experiences and rather than expressing any regret she was always positive and grateful for her life and her family.

In her later years she dealt with diminishing eye sight and age related dementia with great determination. She only expressed concern or anger one time but she quickly replaced her negative emotions with laughter about something funny she had done.

Mary was a loving partner to Harold and Harry, an unflappable Mom to Tina and Steve, supportive Step Mother to Karen, Jim, Dave, Pam and Doug, and always a cool Grandma to her grand and great grand kids.

The family wishes to thank Mary’s wonderful neighbors Barb Shevick and Sally Lenker for their support and ever watchful eye on Mom over the 30 or so years since the passing of her first husband, Harold. You cannot possibly know how much she cherished your friendship.  

The family’s appreciation also goes out to the wonderful staff at Juniper and Wellspring Villages for their loving support of Mom in her time of need and especially for protecting her and others in their care against the ravages of the Corona Virus.

Also, we especially wish to thank 365 Hospice for making Moms last days with us comfortable and peaceful for both her and her family.  They allowed us to fulfill our last wises for her, to pass this world at home with pictures and memories of a life well lived.

She will be missed by all that knew her because of her big heart, that easy smile that she never reserved but always gave freely to everyone, and her beautiful blue eyes.

Rest in Peace now from all of life’s toils. We love you and miss you Mom.

Your family

Arrangements are under the care of Koch Funeral Home, State college. Online condolences and signing of the guest book may be entered at www.kochfuneralhoem.com.