Obituaries
Mary Charlotte O’Brien Kegel, 98
September 09, 2024
Mary Charlotte O’Brien Kegel, beloved mother, wife, sister, and friend, passed peacefully from this life on Monday, September 9, 2024, at the age of 98. She was born on March 6, 1926, in Charleston, South Carolina, the eldest daughter of the late Paul O’Brien and Louise Conlon O’Brien. She spent her childhood living with her family in Argentina and Aruba, returning to Marietta PA at the age of 16. After graduating from Lancaster Catholic High School, she obtained her Registered Nursing degree at St Joseph’s School of Nursing and worked as a public health nurse and an obstetrical nurse for many years, and was involved in the Visiting Nurses Association, serving in a leadership role on its board. She was married to Eugene E Kegel MD in 1947 and, together, they established their home in Lancaster PA, raising 5 children and enjoying 70 years of happy marriage.
Charlotte is survived by her children and their spouses – Dorothy Kegel Cullinan and Kevin Cullinan of Wellesley MA, Daniel Kegel MD and Regina Schwartz Kegel of Lancaster PA, Margaret Kegel Szerejko MD and James Szerejko of West Hartford CT , Mary Kegel MD and Geoffrey Stankiewicz of Lancaster PA, and Felicia Kegel Bechtel and Timothy Bechtel of Lancaster PA; 10 grandchildren; 8 great grandchildren; her sisters Margaret Lord, Louise Sorbello, Joyce Rebman, and Beth Smith; and many nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her husband, her two brothers, John and Paul O’Brien, and her cherished granddaughter, Katherine Cullinan.
Charlotte will be remembered forever as the brilliant matriarch of her family. She remained involved and interested in all their endeavors for as long as she was able always encouraging her loved ones. She promoted education, fairness, and equality, and had an intellectual curiosity that never failed her. Reading was her passion and those who knew her could always be regaled with a good story. In her later years, she loved to make a statement with a good hat. She lived a long and full life, and we will miss her dearly.
Immeasurable thanks to all who helped her in her final journey, including her caregivers Joely Ayala, Marielee Ventura, Rayssa Velez, Joyce Rebman, Jody Kegel, Peggy Benz, Jocelyn Sanchez of Eleanor Home Health Agency, the incredible staff at Homestead Village Retirement Community, Chaplain Wayne Cooley, Hospice, and her friends and extended family near and far who continued to check in on her with caring, warmth, and love. Charlotte’s family is forever grateful for your presence in her life.
Friends and family are respectfully invited to attend her Mass of Christian Burial at 11AM on Friday, September 13, 2024, at St. Leo the Great Catholic Church, 2427 Marietta Ave, Lancaster, PA 17601. Private interment will be in St. Joseph New Catholic Cemetery. Family and friends will be received from 10-11AM at the church on Friday. In lieu of flowers, contributions in her memory may be made to Lancaster Catholic High School, 650 Juliette Ave, Lancaster, PA 17601 or to St. Leo the Great Catholic Church at the above address.
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Condolences to the Family
September 16, 2024
I was a great admirer of My sister Charlotte. She often gave me guidance as her younger sister and she led an exemplary life for all her siblings to observe. May she rest in peace after her long journey
Louise Sorbello
September 15, 2024
We are so sorry to hear of your mother’s passing. She was a lovely kindhearted woman who always took the time to care for others. What a wonderful legacy for your family! May she rest in peace🙏🏻
Sending you all hugs from Tennessee. Michael and Stephanie Clay
September 15, 2024
Dan and Regina – Our deepest sympathies during this time. May your many happy memories fill the hole she leaves in your heart.
Denise and Bob Baird
September 15, 2024
Dan,
My deepest condolences to you and your entire family. Will always remember your mom’s warmth and outgoing personality during the many times I spent at your School Lane hills home and especially the trips out on your dad’s boat during our years at SHS.
Bot
September 14, 2024
Charlotte was the matriarch of our family. She was there for everyone throughout her life and their lives including me. God bless you sister Charlotte and Godspeed!
September 13, 2024
Charlotte was a very special person who lived her life with gusto. She was always kind, generous and outspoken. May she rest in peace and may her family and friends feel blessed having her in their lives. Pat justice levin
September 13, 2024
Lisa and family,
my sincere condolences on your mother’s passing. She had a long and wonderful life. She was always welcoming to me when I was at your childhood home. Peace to all.
Anne Meier Pryzbylkowski
September 13, 2024
Dan, I am sorry to see you lost your mother. I know how important family is to you. I have known you for so many years and I just had to write something for you and your family. I am so glad I had the pleasure of meeting your father and I didn’t know you mother but, I am sure she was a gem. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Rosemary Crouse Mohn
September 11, 2024
I was deeply saddened to hear about Aunt Charlotte’s passing. She was such a remarkable woman, full of wisdom, kindness, and love. Her long life was a testament to the strength and grace she brought to every challenge and blessing that came her way.
I hope you find comfort in the many wonderful memories you shared with her over the years, and in knowing how much she meant to everyone who knew her.
Please accept my deepest sympathies during this difficult time. My thoughts and prayers are with the entire family.
With love and heartfelt condolences,
Kim O’Brien
September 11, 2024
Dan,
Please accept my deepest sympathy in your mothers passing. I enjoyed her stories immensely. I only met her a few years ago when my husband and I moved to Homestead Village. She was such a delight to get to know.
Linda Louise Kneier
September 11, 2024
Dr. Kegel I am so sorry to hear about the passing of your mother. She is now at rest with her beloved husband but she will always watch over those she loved and cherished. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Dee Englehart
September 11, 2024
You have been blessed with a wonderful person as a mother, sister, & grandmother. She was beautiful & gracious. She was always there for her loved ones. Family, even extended family, knew her devotion & love. She will be sorely missed.
Tom & Jane Lombardo Burger
September 10, 2024
So sorry to hear of your mother’s passing. What an amazing life she had- I’m sure she took great comfort in her loving and attentive family. We are thinking of you-
Tina Hilsee
September 10, 2024
Dear Kegels, so many memories of your dear mother. From “The Kegels Cottage” with AnnaMay scaling fish and Cheeko sniffing around to the Glah’s pool parties. Certainly Charlotte is having a grand reunion with all her loved ones. My sincere sisterhood condolences to each and everyone of you.
Peace and love,
Claire Rowan DiSebastian
- Visitation
- Friday, September 13, 2024
- 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM
- St. Leo the Great Catholic Church
- 2427 Marietta Ave
- Lancaster, PA
- Map and Directions
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Get Maps and Directions > - Services
- Friday, September 13, 2024
- 11:00 AM
- St. Leo the Great Catholic Church
- 2427 Marietta Ave
- Lancaster, PA
- Map and Directions
-
Get Maps and Directions >
