Rose Mary Horn, 91

Rose Mary Horn, 91 of Columbia peacefully entered into rest on March 25, 2013 at Hospice and Community Care in Mount Joy.    Previously, she lived at St. Anne’s Retirement Community in Columbia.  She was born on September 12, 1921 and was the daughter of the late Frank M. and Josephine J. Kirchner Abel.  She was the wife of George T. Horn with whom she shared 48 years of marriage until his death in February, 1992.

She graduated from Lancaster Catholic High in 1939 and New Rochelle University in 1943.

Rose Mary was a devoted Catholic and was a parishioner at Holy Trinity, St. Peters and St.  John Neumann.   She was President of Mother’s club of Holy Trinity School and taught CCD classes there.   She was a member of the Renew Prayer Group at St. John Neumann and various other church related organizations.

Because of her generous nature, she was involved in numerous volunteer and civic organizations, including Meals on Wheels, Matthews Shop, and volunteered as a tutor of reading for Columbia Literacy Council.  While enjoying the sun in Naples, Florida during the winter, she also volunteered at the Guadalupe Center teaching Haitian children. 

Rose Mary was a trustee of the Columbia Public Library during the construction of the new library and addition.  She volunteered her time, effort and resources to preserve the Library during difficult times.  She was a member of the Mountwaybia Book club and she loved to read.

After raising her children, Rose Mary became the Principal at St. Peter’s school in Columbia, PA.  She was the first lay principal in the Diocese of Harrisburg.  She and Father John Smith were successful in taking a struggling school and making it thrive.  She was the Principal from 1975 until her retirement in 1986.  She loved her teachers, the children and everyone connected with the school.  She was a true leader and got the best from everyone including her husband who volunteered his time to support her efforts.

She loved to swim, take pictures, play pinochle, go to the beach, travel and spend time with family and friends.

Rose Mary’s family would like to express appreciation to everyone at St. Anne’s Retirement Community, Lancaster General Hospital and Hospice and Community Care.  A special thank you goes to her physician,  Dr. John Scott who took wonderful care of her for over 25 years.

She is survived by three daughters:  Elizabeth J., wife of Thomas Watkins, Kailua, HI, Rose M., wife of Gregg Schierl, Grantville, PA, Ann L., wife of Mark Casaday, Phoenixville, PA, a son, Philip F., husband of Terry Horn.  Her son, George T. Horn, Jr. predeceased her.  She had nine loving grandchildren and one great-grandson.  She is also survived by her sister, Teresa I., wife of Walter G. Tymon, and brother, Richard A., husband of Virginia Abel of Quarryville.  She was preceded in death by sisters, Clair M. Renk, Elizabeth J. Pointer, Joan A. Costello, sister-in-law Jane Abel, a brother Frank J. Abel, brothers-in law, Joe Costello, James Pointer and Ernest Renk.    

Friends will be received on Wednesday, April 3, 2013 at St. John Neumann Catholic Church, 601 E. Delp Rd., Lancaster, PA , with the Mass of Christian Burial to follow at 11AM. Interment in Holy Trinity Catholic Cemetery in Columbia. In lieu of flowers, please make contributions in Rose Mary’s memory to Our Lady of  The  Angels Catholic School, 404 Cherry St., Columbia, PA 17512. To send an online condolence, please visit SnyderFuneralHome.com. Charles F. Snyder Jr Funeral Home & Crematory 560-5100