Mary E. Wippel, 87

December 15, 2025

Mary E. Wippel, 87, of Lancaster, passed away on Monday, December 15, 2025, at home surrounded by her family.

Born in Pomeroy, OH, she was the daughter of the late Norbert P. and Lily Kathryn (Hawk) Neutzling. She was the loving wife of the late Patrick V. Wippel.

Mary earned her Bachelor’s degree in Education from Millersville University and spent her entire career teaching, a calling she truly loved. She later worked for IU13 until her retirement. Mary and Patrick were long time members of St. Leo the Great Catholic Church where they were active in their local parish over the past several decades, including a deep commitment to the marriage preparation program Engaged Encounter, Pre-Cana Counselors and mentoring program. Outside of her career, Mary found joy in reading, tending to her garden, and baking for those she loved. Her chocolate cake was especially famous and will be fondly remembered by all who were lucky enough to enjoy it. She also cherished traveling with her husband and spending time with her dear friend, Holly.

She is survived by her children, Francis (Karen) Wippel, Rita (the late Gary) Schmidt, and Kathleen Wippel; her siblings, Norbert “Patrick”, Michael, Dorothy Neutzling, and Stella Snyder; eight grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Patrick; a son, Joseph Wippel; her siblings, William Neutzling, Bonnie Smith, and Nicholas Neutzling; and brother-in-law, Msgr. John Wippel.

Friends and family will be received from 10AM to 11AM on Monday, December 22, 2025, at St. Leo The Great Catholic Church 2427 Marietta Ave. Lancaster, PA 17601. A Mass of Christian Burial will follow beginning at 11AM.
Interment will be held at Indiantown Gap National Cemetery on Tuesday, December 23, 2025, at 10AM.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating in Mary’s name to Hospice & Community Care,
Development Office, 685 Good Drive, Lancaster, PA 17601 or online at: Hospice Care – Hospice & Community Care.