Obituaries
Mary R. Frey, 65
March 24, 2020
Mary R. Frey, 65, of The Long Community at Highland apartments in Manheim Twp., passed away Tuesday, March 24, 2020, at Hospice & Community Care, Mt. Joy. Born in Pittsburgh, Mary was the daughter of Kathryn (Jacob) Frey and the late Charles A. Frey.
She was a resident of Lancaster since 1960 and attended St. Anne School and Lancaster Catholic High School. After earning her master’s degree in education at West Chester University, Mary was devoted to her career in education, teaching most recently in the IU13 program and provided state-wide assistance to other IU programs’ clients and teachers as an adaptive equipment specialist.
Several months after retirement from the IU, Mary was diagnosed with a Glioblastoma brain tumor in June, 2013. With the assistance of many local doctors, therapists, and aides Mary regained her independence and managed to enjoy almost 7 years of living putting her in a rare group. Throughout most of this time she not only maintained her joyous disposition, but increased it, ever grateful to our Creator for her life.
As the oldest child Mary helped care for all her siblings growing up, but most especially her late sister, Cassie. Mary was devoted to her Faith and was a parishioner of St. John Neumann Catholic Church. She was involved in the Harrisburg Diocese Youth Ministry and the Young Adult Ministry. She loved to travel, especially to extended family celebrations and reunions, as well as, to the beach, and enjoyed cruises to the Caribbean, Alaska, and on the Mississippi River. Mary was a patron of the arts and enjoyed attending the Fulton and Hershey Theaters. She also enjoyed staying in touch with her Zeta Tau Alpha sorority sisters. For the past several years she has cherished her time with others at “Write From The Heart”.
In addition to her mother, Kathryn, Mary is survived by her brothers, Charles A. Frey, Jr., husband of Kimberly, of Lititz; Richard P. Frey, husband of Kay, of Willow Street; Robert J. Frey, husband of Teresa, of Lancaster; and Mark A. Frey, of Wake Forrest, NC. She is also survived by 10 nieces and nephews and 4 great-nieces and nephews.
Private graveside services will be held at the convenience of the family at St. Joseph New Catholic Cemetery. A Memorial Mass will be held at a later date to be announced.
In lieu of flowers, contributions in Mary’s memory may be made to Excentia Human Services.
In addition to this page, condolences for the family may be left at Facebook.
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Condolences to the Family
April 22, 2020
Dear Mrs. Frey and all of Mary’s brothes,
It was with great sadness that I learned of Mary’s passing. My thoughts went back to the many years we worked together at IU 13, Landisville Learning Center. They were days filled with joy, sorrow, fun, work, success, learning, and lots of love. Mary was a great teacher, team mate and friend. You are being lifted up in my prayers. May God hold you in His loving embrace and grant you His peace.
Elaine Swinehart
April 03, 2020
Kathy, and Mary’s sibs: what great memories you have of her…as we all do! What joy she brought to the world with that quick smile of hers! Some of us remember back to when she announced her college work would focus on kids with deep challenges. It was with joy that I later worked alongside her at the I.U. And the ingenuity and creativity she demonstrated made her very special. Blessings on you all as you work through this new transition, knowing that your faith will keep you strong, God’s grace will smooth your way to finding a new peace. Barbara A
April 01, 2020
I was so sorry to read of Mary’s passing, but feeling very fortunate to have known her as a teacher, neighbor, and friend. We met at the I.U. Where she was such a positive role model, so willing to share her knowledge and support for teachers and to help meet each student’s needs and aspirations. After our retirements we enjoyed time spent at yoga classes and lunches together. No matter what challenges she faced, she handled them in a positive and reasoned way. She was a joy to share time with. Mary was never a glass half empty person; she was a glass filled to the brim with joy, enthusiasm, and a desire for new adventures. My sympathies to all of her family who she loved dearly.
Judy Petrasek
April 01, 2020
I admired Mary so much for her pleasant and positive attitude and her courage. She is an inspiration to me. My sincere condolences to Kathy and her family. I was pleased to have her as my neighbor at the Long Community.
Carol Giblin
April 01, 2020
Mary was my friend from the brain tumor support group. She was a delight, she shared her love of her family and God, she entertained us with her travel adventures. She will be greatly missed. With deepest sympathy & prayers to her family.
Gail Kangisser
March 31, 2020
Was priveged to meet Mary at Long Home. She always had a smile and joined into so many activities. She allowed nothing to stop her. Saw the changes in especially in our balance classes. Mary was an example to all us.
Florence & Ted Freedman
March 30, 2020
We are so sorry for your loss. Mary was such a wonderful friend. We are eternally grateful to her for introducing us to each other. She will be greatly missed.
With deepest sympathy and much love,
John and Cathy Speitel
March 30, 2020
Mary was a valued member of our Brain Tumor Community Support Group. She had such a wonderful spirit and uplifting way about her that all of us looked forward to her coming to share her journey. She had great faith and dearly loved her family. We will miss her!
Julie Mongiovi
March 30, 2020
It was my pleasusre to be Mary’s neighbor and friend for the last four years at the Long Community. We moved in at about the same time and shared many good times going to the Fulton, out to lunch, and working together on the Successful Living Team. She was always smiling and upbeat. Mary was such a great asset to our Community and I know I speak for all when I say we will really miss that smiling face. My condolences to Kathy and the family.
Jane Snyder
March 30, 2020
Chaz and family members, I attended St.Annes’s with Mary. I remember all of you well. I have fond memories of Mary and the many parties and fun times at your parents’ home – especially when Mary celebrated her ? birthday and all of the girls had to dress up in fancy clothes, jewels, gloves and heels (mostly those belonging to our mothers) we modeled and your dad recorded us. We laughed as we sat down to a “formal” meal!!
I didn’t realize Mary was local and was in education, a path I also persude. hope this brings a smile and maybe your mother will also remember this particular birthday. My thoughts are with all of you! ~patty winters
March 29, 2020
What a bright light Mary was for people. Knew Mary back when we were in our 20s. We met as a Catholic singles group. Steve Himmmelsbach, Mary Ann Walsh who is a Eucharistic Minister at St. Anne’s), and another gal with dark hair whose smile was as big as Mary’s (Beth?)are who I remember the most. People would be greeted by Mary & made welcomed. Mary watched friends leave and get married, and we lost contact. One thing that stayed the same was her smile. Prayers and condolences for your loss.
Diane
March 29, 2020
Kathy and family:
We want to extend our prayers and wishes of peace to all of you in memory of Mary. She was a lovely and gracious person, a joy to have known. Mass at St. John Neumann won’t be the same without her.
Sincerely,
Kathy & Dennis Penny
March 29, 2020
I have had the pleasure and priviledge of knowing Mary since our first year at Catholic High. Time spent at the Frey home was always special. Our years involved in Young Adult Ministry were faith-filled and fun. Over the last 6 years, Mary’s faith, perseverence, positivity and joy were an inspiration to me and so many of her family, friends and everyone whose life she touched. My heart aches for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you, Mrs. Frey, Charlie, Rick, Robert, Mark and your families. May God hold you all in the palm of His hand. And “Let there be Peace on earth” and in your hearts.
Jean Nikolaus
March 29, 2020
Condolences to Mary’s family.
John Palko
March 29, 2020
While I knew Mary during her time with Lancaster Lebanon IU13, I got to know her better during a period of the last years of her life. She was always impressive but she was especially impressive and inspiring with how well she handled what life gave her in her last years. She was faithfilled, courageous, resouceful and positive. I pray that her family, and especially her mother will be consoled by the memories of her love and laughter.
Carolene Brubaker
March 28, 2020
Mary was a very special and unique person. Met her years ago though the Young Adult Ministry. She was one of those uplifting people. When I was sick she was my hero, she inspired me. Prayers for all her family.
Gloria Miller
March 28, 2020
I met Mary through Young Adult Ministry many years ago. She was always a bright light but over the past six years she was an inspiration to so many of us who knew her. She will always be in my thoughts and prayers as will you, the family she loved so much. I’m so grateful to have known her and share a small part of her life. Love, Pat Geoghan
March 27, 2020
Mary (by her niece, Mari El)I can’t remember you ever without a smile on your face. You always wear the coolest earrings from a distant place. When you are around, you brightened the space.You dedicated your life to teaching and taking care of others. A first child and daughter to your father and mother. Many love you, including all your brothers.You never forget a unique present or a birthday card. Remembering a time that I laughed with you would not be hard.You are the happiest, kindest, most caring person I know. Your great character and personality you share and show. Even now, you continue to help me grow.Throughout your life there have been many you have inspired. Numerous qualities about you, we have all admired. You made a difference in many lives, even after you retired.At the beach, I remember staying in the waves for hours. No matter that we were freezing, you had some special powers. Hearing that tickling laugh of yours, the cold wouldn’t make us cower.Sticky with salt and sand, we would then sit in the sun.Or under the umbrella, exhausted from all that fun. Wrapped in a towel, eyes closed, my head still spun.Or with the family at your Mom and Dad’s pool. Munching on good food and giving updates on school. I’m sure seeing your nieces and nephews grow up was cool.These are just some of the memories we made together. But you should know, you will have a place in my heart forever.Aunt Mary, you are a truly amazing person. Loving and thinking of you, Mariel Created on Mar 15, 2014
Mark Andrew Frey
