Obituaries
Mary Jo Bermel, 72
August 03, 2016
Mary Joann Bermel (Mary Jo), 72, of Manheim Township, passed away Wednesday, August 3, 2016, at Lancaster General Hospital. She was born in McKeesport, Allegheny County to the late Michael John and Anna (Costello) Bodnar. Mary Jo and her husband Mike Bermel celebrated 45 years of marriage this past June 19th.
She earned her Masters of Reading and Language from Millersville University and taught 2nd and 3rd grades at Wharton and Fulton Elementary Schools. A very gifted teacher, who would think independently and critically, she loved to nurture and mold her students. She could magically connect with the children and always cared for their wellbeing.
At home, Mary Jo put everything into her family, and now her grown children Jake and Kate carry on her same path. A loving wife and mother, she was Aunt Mary Jo to everyone else. She loved arts and crafts, flowers and visiting Longwood Gardens. Mary Jo was a member of St. John Neumann Catholic Church.
Mary Jo is survived by her loving husband Mike and their two children, Kate Bermel and Jake Bermel, husband of Kara, their granddaughter Maya, and her sister Margaret Bodnar. Her older sisters Barbara and Susan preceded Mary Jo in death.
Private services and interment will be at the convenience of Mary Jo’s family. Please omit flowers. Memorial contributions may be mailed to Water Street Mission, P.O. Box 7267, Lancaster, PA 17604-7267.
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Condolences to the Family
September 01, 2016
Dear Bermel family,
I was saddened to hear of Mary Jo’s passing.
She was my 2nd grade teacher the year that she married
Mike and invited her whole class to the wedding. What a special day! I remember the newspaper featured a lovely picture of all the class with you and Mary Jo. Mrs. Bermel was not only a caring and wonderful teacher, but an amazing person, who impacted my life greatly. For many years I kept in touch with her by writing letters back and forth (she had perfect and beautiful handwriting! )
I hope you know how many lives she touched and how much she was loved. She was my favorite teacher and taught me to be a good student which served me well through out my education.
My deepest sympathy to you all.
Lisa Andrews
August 11, 2016
My sincerest sympathy to all the Bermel Family in the loss of Mary Jo, she will be missed by all who knew her. My thoughts aand prayers are with you all in your sorrow. Nancy Shimer
August 10, 2016
Our sympathy to your family lots of happy memories and praying for comfort at this time
Mrs Wilbur and family
August 10, 2016
mike and family,
We were so sorry to hear about your loss. Not sure if you remember us Mike but we worked with you at the Host Farm and I remember how fondly you always talked of mary Jo and how much she enjoyed teaching. (Talk about things coming full circle, our daughter has taught 2nd & 3rd grades at Fulton for the last 10 yrs.)
You’ll be in our thoughts and prayers.
Valerie & Ed Kreider
August 10, 2016
Dear Mike and Family,
We are sadened to hear of Mary Jo’s passing. She was a wonderful teacher, colleague, and friend. We hope you can find peace in knowing that she made a difference in the many children’s lives she taught. Her creativity and enthusiasm endeared her to her students. With deepest sympathy…Dave and Rochelle Rentschler
August 10, 2016
Dear Bermel Family,
I am so sorry to hear today, of Mary Jo passing. I always think of her as one of my favorite people to be greeted by. Her warm hugs and the way her eyes lit up the minute we saw one another.
I remember the first time I was going to meet her and my grandma and grandpa said you’ll like Mary Jo she’s a wonderful lady. I just liked her because she was just the very sweetest person I’ve ever known. I’ll miss her greatly. A lot of love to you all.
Love, Rachael Bowman
August 10, 2016
Sending thoughts and prayers to Mike, Jake and Kate at this difficult time. Our son, Mark, has many good memories of spending time at your house with Jake. Mary Jo was a good friend to our family.
Ron and Treva Shaffee
August 10, 2016
Please except our deepest condolences. May God lessen your pain in your hearts..Sincerely. Ted & Jud . Myers
August 10, 2016
To the family, my thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. I had her as a teacher in 2nd grade at Fulton in the late 80s.
August 10, 2016
Mary Jo was a wonderful person. We worked together a bit at Wilton Armatel in the store. The girls from the store took a trip to the beach one summer and we had a blast. thanks to Mary Jo, we had plenty to eat. She make the best Fried Chicken!!!! Rest in Peace
You will be missed!!
Karen Shank-Kain
