Obituaries

Mary E. Schlager, 82

Mary Elizabeth Sites Schlager, 82, of Lancaster, passed away surrounded by the love of her family.  Mary, one of nine children, was born at home in Greenstone, PA to the late R. Milton and Alice Donahue Stahley Sites.

Mary moved to Lancaster to study nursing, was president of her class, and graduated with honors from St. Joseph’s School of Nursing in 1950. She met and married Donald L. Schlager during her graduating year and lived in Lancaster the remainder of her active life. Her love of nursing and caring for patients was her calling. She retired after forty-two years from St Joseph’s Hospital, but continued to work during retirement in reception and patient management for a local doctor. She was respected by her colleagues and remembered with fondness by her patients.  Many of her patients became life-long friends.

Her love of family was apparent as she worked tirelessly full time at night while raising six children, rarely sleeping more than four hours at a time for decades. Much of her life was devoted to caring for her children and her grandchildren. Mary loved learning, enjoyed reading and passed her excitement about education and higher learning to her immediate and her extended family. Her hobbies were baking cakes on top of the stove, staying in contact with family, friends from high school and nursing school, and helping and caring for her large family. Mary was a devout Catholic throughout her life attending Sacred Heart Church of Lancaster.

Mary is survived by three sons: John and his wife Janis of Ohio, Mark and his wife Charlene of New Jersey, and Matthew of Lancaster; three daughters: Helen and her husband Peter Husty of Delaware, Eileen and her husband John Hoover of North Carolina and Elise of Lancaster; 16 grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.  She is further survived by her sisters Lillie Theresa Bream, Charlotte Ann Ford, and Alice Mary Harbaugh.  In addition to her parents and her husband Donald, her brothers Eugene Robert, John Edward and Joseph Leonard, and her sisters Adaline Marie Harbaugh and Mildred Irene Fissel preceded her in death.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Wednesday, January 6, 2010 at 11am from Sacred Heart of Jesus Catholic Church, 558 W. Walnut St., Lancaster, PA with The Rev. Michael E. Messner as Celebrant. A viewing will take place at the Charles F. Snyder Funeral Home, Inc., 414 E. King Street, Lancaster, PA on Tuesday from 6 to 8 PM, with the recitation of the Rosary at 7:30 PM.  A viewing will also take place at the church on Wednesday one hour prior to the Mass. Final Farewell and Commendation will take place from St. Joseph New Catholic Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Mary’s memory to Covenant House, 5 Penn Plaza, New York, NY 10001, attention “Philadelphia Youth”, or to Sacred Heart of Jesus Catholic Church, 558 W. Walnut St., Lancaster, PA 17603. To send the family online condolences please visit snyderfuneralhome.com

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Even though years have passed, I’ve always remembered your parents kindness and acceptance of me hanging around with Matt. Swim meets, Paper routes etc. And have appreciated them for that. She will be greatly missed.

 In a better time once again.

My condolences to the schlager family
Matthew Allison

To Mary’s children,
I live on the corner of State and Clay Streets.  Your mother used to walk by with her little dog.  She always was smiling and always said something nice about my property.  Such a sweet person.  She has been missed since she moved away from the neighborhood.

Please accept my condolences on her death.

Tana Woodcock

Elise and family,
    I am so sorry to read of your mother’s passing. She was such a vibrant person. May you find comfort in the good memories and knowing your mom was a wonderful nurse who touched many lives and made such a difference while she was with us.
  Please know my thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time.

Betsy Musser

Our deepest sympathy to all of Aunt Mary’s family. Our thoughts and prayers go out to all of you. We have very fond memories of her. She was always so excited about life.  She would always try to help whenever possible. Take comfort in knowing that her deep faith was always guiding her.  She will be sadly missed.

Her nieces,
Lisa Kreitz
Kelly Alexander

To Mary’s family,    We are truly saddened to hear that our dear Aunt Mary has left us. She was a favorite to many in the family.What a wonderful lady she was! We all looked forward to seeing her smiling face at the family reunion! She was always interested in catching up with what was going on in your life, since we did’nt see each other often. She was a kind, gentle,and warm-hearted soul who will be sorely missed by all who ever had the pleasure of knowing her. We are so sorry for your loss and will keep you in our prayers.          
Take care.  
Much Love,  
John L. & Nancy & family

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