Obituaries
Anne Agnes McShane Stengel, 93
January 13, 2020
Anne Agnes McShane Stengel died at the age of 93 on Jan. 13, 2020 at 12:45 o’clock in the afternoon. She did not much like January so it was a good time for her to say goodbye, which she did bravely. We know she passed into Heaven where she joined her beloved husband Larry and her precious son Bob, whose loss in 2010 shook her to her core. After opening her heart and her home to her family – who were everything to her – at Thanksgiving and Christmas, she struggled with the winter, frequently going with Larry to their home in Avalon where she would walk and read and sew and knit, usually for grandchildren, and await the spring and summer, which she loved.
What she loved was modest, but beautiful. She loved her front porch swing, especially when she was holding a baby; she held 15 grandchildren on that swing. She loved conversation and iced tea on the porch; she loved visitors and she had the gift of hospitality. She loved family vacations at the shore and she loved the busyness of her home as her family grew. They were nurtured, supervised, loved and prayed for in the safe and secure home she and her husband created.
Anne was born on Dec. 29, 1926 in Media, Pennsylvania, and was the second of 7 children of Francis Joseph McShane and Agnes Delaney McShane. She grew up in Drexel Hill, graduated from Holy Child Academy, Sharon Hill, Pa., then from the School of Nursing at Fitzgerald Mercy Hospital. She worked as a nurse at first at the Institute of the Pennsylvania Hospital, then as a private duty psychiatric nurse. She later taught nursing and worked as a nurse in the Appel Infirmary at Franklin and Marshall College. In 1951, she met a handsome young lawyer, Lawrence E. Stengel, who wanted to marry her as soon as possible. After a brief courtship, which she preferred, they married on Nov. 3, 1951 and moved to Lancaster, where he practiced law and they began 55 years of married life together. They had six children, five of whom survive her. It is her legacy that her children love one another and love their children and now their grandchildren because what they knew before they knew or had anything else was her maternal love.
She was an avid reader and bridge player and a skilled nurse. She was active on the Social Justice Committee at Sacred Heart Parish and she volunteered in her parish and in her community, most recently as a tutor with the Lancaster-Lebanon Literacy Council.
Nana was true matriarch. She loved her Catholic faith. If her children or their spouses or her grandchildren were facing a challenge, they were on her prayer list and they knew it. She treated others with respect and compassion. She carried no pretense, and saw right through the pretentious. Throughout her entire life until her very last hours she was kind, encouraging, grateful and very, very funny. Anne understood people and was interested in stories. To know her is to know a story, or many stories, and that will be another of her great legacies. She took the time to care about her family and created memories like that front- porch swing, magical Christmases and Easters, celebration and reverence for the Catholic sacraments, stroller walks, multiple and mysterious casseroles, the Jiffy Café (a small pop-up restaurant in the corner of her kitchen), coffee at the round kitchen table, cookies and milk and a donation from the seemingly bottomless broth bank when a grandchild was under the weather, to name just a few.
Anne is survived by son Lawrence F. Stengel, married to Theresa; daughter, Mary Elizabeth Stengel, son, James R. Stengel, married to Kathleen; daughter-in-law Linda M. Stengel, who was married to the late and beloved Dr. Robert J. Stengel; daughter Kathleen S. Alton, married to Jamie; and son, John P. Stengel, married to Marycatherine. She adored, cherished, enjoyed – and now is survived by – 15 grandchildren, Timothy M. Stengel (Kristan), Emily S. Lyons, (Patrick), Peter F. Stengel, Julia D. Stengel, Joseph L. Stengel, Trevor S. Stengel (Kathleen), Claire S. Stengel, Dr. Michael R. Stengel (JoAnn), Jennifer C. Stengel, Robert L. Stengel, Matthew T. Alton (Lizzie), Amy K. Alton, Catherine K. Stengel (Connor), Andrew P. Stengel and Luke P. Stengel. Anne is also survived by 7 great grandchildren: Henry Francis, William McKinne, Margaret Anne, Theodore Robert, Oliver Michael, Casey Thomas, and Francis Joseph, who bears Anne’s father’s name. Anne is also survived by her sister Loretta Powers and her husband Bud, both of whom she loved dearly. She was preceded in death by her husband, Lawrence E. Stengel, Esq. and by her son, Dr. Robert J. Stengel and also by her five brothers, Frank, James, Robert, Joseph and Gerald McShane.
Anne’s family is especially grateful to the nurses, caregivers and staff at Homestead Village who cared for her with great skill, kindness, compassion and humor and who took the time to get to know her and who became, to her, part of her extended family. They grew to love her and she felt that – and felt the same toward them.
We will celebrate her life at a Mass of Christian Burial to be held at Sacred Heart Church, 558 West Walnut Street, Lancaster, PA on Friday, Jan. 17, 2020 at 11:30am. The family will greet friends at the church before the Mass, beginning at 10am. She will be interred at St. Joseph Cemetery following the Mass.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Anne’s memory may be made to Lancaster Catholic High School, 650 Juliette Avenue, Lancaster, PA 17601.
Watch the tribute videoLeave a condolence on this Memorial Page
Condolences to the Family
July 09, 2020
I only now saw this in the Witness. So sorry for your loss. May she rest in peace.
Bruno S. Schmalhofer & family
January 22, 2020
Dear Larry,
I regret only now learning of the loss of your Mother and live but a half block away from Sacred Heart.
My sympathies go out to you and yours Larry, because she was a wonderful person and your mom. I have observed that a man is never truly alone until his Mother is gone and only then is he on his own. Carry her memory in your Heart, and you will heal your Soul.
Doug (and Don) Kitch
January 20, 2020
To all the Stengel Family, My sympathy to you on the loss of your Mother and Grandmother. She was an elegant and gracious lady and I have fond memories of spending time on that front porch swing when I would come to visit. There is a saying that I would like to share with you. Those we love don’t go away, they walk beside us every day. This beautiful woman will always be with you in your heart.
Karen Ilvento McGinley
January 20, 2020
Dear Stengel family. We are holding you in prayer as you mourn the loss of your beloved mother and grandmother. May the memories of her love and kindnesses over many years remain in your hearts forever.
Martha Harris
January 18, 2020
Jim & Family, saddened to learn of your Mom passing. Love & prayers for you all. Condolences,
Mariellen (Donley) Payne
January 18, 2020
Larry, Marybeth, Jim, John.
Very sorry to hear about your Mom. I lost my Mom in 2015 so I know the loss you are feeling. She had a long and wonderful life and a wonderful family and I am sure you have some great memories. To live in one’s heart is never to die.
Joe Segro
January 17, 2020
To the Stengel Family, So sorry for your loss. In our thoughts and prayers.
Edie & John Gardner
January 17, 2020
Larry & Theresa, My condolences for the loss of your mother: it sounds as if she was a lovely lady.
James M. Berger
January 16, 2020
On behalf of Franklin & Marshall College, I send heartfelt condolences on the passing of Anne Agnes McShane Stengel. F&M’s Appel Infirmary was surely a better and warmer place for her skilled nursing care, and perhaps it is no surprise that one son later attended the College and another has taught there. Thanks to this wonderfully written tribute to Mrs. Stengel, I got to know a pillar of the community, a most admirable woman, and a mother who shaped remarkable children and grandchildren. What a legacy she has left!
Barbara K. Altmann, President, Franklin & Marshall College
January 16, 2020
Beautiful tribute. Thank you for sharing these endearing sentiments. Moving….
With deepest sympathies,
Joanne Morris Williams
January 16, 2020
Dear Larry and Theresa,
I never knew Ann, but upon reading the beautiful tribute written for her, I know I would have been privileged to know her. I’m sorry her life has ended and for the grief you must be feeling. It seems she has touched so many lives in many wonderful ways, and in that sense she continues to live on. Kathy and Drew Stoken
January 16, 2020
Dear Larry,
Heartfelt condolences to you and your family on the passing of your mother. I never met your mom but reading her obituary I feel I know her quite well. Celebrate her wonderful life as you move past the grief. Thinking of you and your family during this difficult time.
Sincerely,
David and Susan Harnish
January 16, 2020
Dear Stengel Family
I am very sorry to hear of the passing of the “matriarch” of your family. Although I did not know her personally, after reading the beautifully written obituary, I can see her spirit lives in all of you. May God bless you.
Deborah Pflumm
January 15, 2020
Larry,Theresa and extended Stengel family: while sadness of your Mom’s loss weighs heavy, I smiled in reading her 94 year long story. My mom, Louise Novajosky worked for Anne’s Larry, and I am sure the reunion was a celebration. She was the best mom and Nana, and those decades of memories will dull the grief as you recall each one with a smile – or laugh. Wishing you much storytelling as you gather to celebrate her long life.
Lisa Novajosky Smith
January 15, 2020
Stengel family.
It was a pleasure to be able to care for Anne. She was such a joy and was sure to make your day. She will be deeply missed by all at homestead.
Caitlin Reed
January 15, 2020
Dear Larry
My sympathy to you on the loss of your mother. This obituary was so wonderfully written I feel like I knew her. God give you peace.
Carol Connor Kunkel
January 15, 2020
I will miss my Thursday evening visits with Anne. She shared stories from her life and most of those stories centered around her family and faith. She frequently told me how blessed she had been during her life. I loved her sense of humor and feel very honored that she shared her wisdom with me.
Rosanna Gemmill
January 15, 2020
I’m so sorry to hear about the passing of your mother. I know the many fond memories you will carry with you will keep her close to all of you. Sending love and prayers.
Carol Schroeder-Warren
January 15, 2020
Larry & Theresa: Sad to see this obit, but not too sad — what a great life and what a great lady. I wish I had known her.
Larry keating
January 15, 2020
Larry and Theresa, so sorry for your loss, but your Mom is now at peace and with family in heaven. Sending you prayers and love.
Denyse Kling
January 15, 2020
A beautiful tribute for a beautiful woman. I have many memories of Anne feeding me, Uncle Ed and Aunt Kaky at the kitchen table. I enjoyed many porch swings on Buchanan Ave with Big Larry and Anne. My favorite memories were visiting with Anne discussing recipes and books over her cookies with tea. She was so proud her grandchildren called her Betty Crocker. Anne was always gracious, friendly, kind and stylish. She was an amazing lady who will be missed.
With Love,
Chrissy McGinley- Malson
January 15, 2020
To the Stengel family – so sorry for your loss. What a wonderful life she led. Sincerely, Peter Zanowski
January 15, 2020
To the entire Stengel Family,
Sincere and heartfelt condolences for the loss of your dear Mother! A beautiful woman that was a gift from God for those whose lives she touched!
Much love, John & Helen Yeager
January 15, 2020
Dear Kathy and family,
I consider myself blessed to have enjoyed your Mother’s humor and hospitality. You are each a reflection of the loving person she was. Sending loving thoughts and prayers.
Amy Ziegler Beck
January 15, 2020
So very sorry for your loss, Larry and Theresa! You will never stop missing her, but know that she is in the arms of our dear Lord now. Praying you find peace and comfort in all the beautiful memories you have. I will keep you all in my prayers.
Anne Roda-Farrell
January 15, 2020
So sorry for your loss. May all the memories bring peace during this difficult time. What a beautiful family🙏🏼💜
Kathy and Paul Speitel
January 15, 2020
Sending my prayers and deepest sympathy, along with those of the entire Lancaster Catholic High School family, to the Stengel Family for comfort and peace in the midst of your grief. Having lost my own mom last year, I know how deep the sorrows our hearts must bear can be. Know that her indelible legacy as the heart of your family which for generations has and continues to profoundly and positively shape our Ministry at Lancaster Catholic, will be forever honored and treasured.
Tim Hamer
January 15, 2020
Larry….. condolences to you and your family
Anne M Glouner and Dan!
January 15, 2020
Stengel Family,
I want to reach out and let you know I am so sorry for your mother’s passing. I know my mom, Motsy Heilbron, always had fond memories of your mom, and, I know my sister, Jodie Heilbron, spent a lot of time with your family. Bless you all.
Patsy Heilbron Lavinia
January 14, 2020
Larry and Theresa,
Please accept our condolences upon the passing of your dear mother. We will remember your family in our prayers.
Sincerely,
Ron and Bonnie Schmitt
- Visitation
- Friday, January 17, 2020
- 10:00 AM - 11:30 AM
- Sacred Heart Church
- 558 West Walnut Street
- Lancaster, PA
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- Friday, January 17, 2020
- 11:30 AM
- Sacred Heart Church
- 558 West Walnut Street
- Lancaster, PA
- Map and Directions
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