Mary C. Richart

Mary C. Richart, 80, a lifelong resident of Harrisburg, PA, passed away on April 14th, 2014, after a prolonged illness. She was the daughter of Howard Winans and Muriel Matilda Richart (nee Long), both long deceased. Mary was born in Harrisburg on December 21, 1933 and attended the public school system there. She graduated from Wm. Penn H.S., Class of 1951. Later in life, she graduated from Penn State University, where she received a Bachelor of Arts, magna cum laude. Always a student, she continued to take classes long after graduation in the subjects she enjoyed most: art, music, history, and philosophy.

Mary was an active member of St. Margaret Mary R.C. Church in Harrisburg. A remarkable woman by any standard, she read for the blind. Her voice was heard weekly reading obituaries, books, a shopping guide, and local events for those who could not read through Vision Resources of Central PA. She did this right up until her last hospitalization--for more than 25 years. In her younger years, she served as a Girl Scout leader.

Mary worked at the Bell Telephone Company from the time she graduated from high school until she retired. She began as an operator and held various supervisory positions as she advanced her career there. She was well respected for her professionalism and made a close circle of friends at work. She was recognized for her many years of loyal service and the fact that she never took any sick time.

An avid reader and student of life, Mary’s tastes covered a wide spectrum of genres, but a good murder mystery or international espionage were high on her list of favorites. She also was a world traveler, and considered herself to be citizen of the world. Mary was a wordsmith, enjoyed crossword puzzles and other types of brain teasers. She enjoyed dining out with friends, going to the cinema, and participating in family activities. Always generous-hearted, she enjoyed celebrating all the holidays. We are all going to miss the Easter cards this year.

People close to her appreciated her keen sense of humor, her thoughtful ways, and her colorful outfits, always carefully coordinated. But it was her attitude that everyone appreciated most. She tried to see the best in life, even though she was in pain most of the time. She had perseverance, and as one of her nieces said: “She was a model of how to move through adversity.” All of us are better off for having known our Mary.

A beloved sister and aunt, she is survived by her brother, Douglas, and his wife Joan of Reading, PA; her sister, Betsy Connelly, of Long Beach Island, NJ, and numerous nieces and nephews. A doting aunt, she never forgot a birthday and was lovingly known as Aunt Mary to all. She was predeceased by her half-sister, Doris Cressler.

A public viewing will take place from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m. at St. Margaret Mary Alacoque R.C. Church, 2800 Paxton Church Road, Harrisburg, PA 17110, followed by a funeral mass at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, April 22nd, 2014.

For condolences, please visit www.mem.com. Contributions can be made in her name to: St. Margaret Mary Alacoque R.C. Church, Vision Resources of Central PA, or a charity of your preference.