Mary B. Rahn

It is with heavy hearts we announce the passing of our mother, Mary B. Rahn, nee Kernicky. She is survived by her loving children William Rahn, Mary Elizabeth (Rahn) Gallo (Michael), Nancy Jocelyn Rahn, Karl Rahn (Sarah) and her grandchildren, Margo and Miles Rahn as well as her brothers, Michael, Joseph, and John Kernicky.

Mary was born in Carpentertown, Pennsylvania. Her father was a gentleman farmer and a business owner. Her Mother was the consummate caregiver who bore eleven children. Her strength and love permeated throughout the household and led to Mary being just as strong and loving. This is where Mary’s love of baking and farm to table food began. She and her eight siblings, her mother, father, along with her auntie lived off the abundant farmland. She learned the importance of family, sharing and mostly the importance of love. There were many stories of how the nine children shared and played whilst developing strong values and work ethic.

The family moved to Yeadon in her early teens so they could be near the city for medical needs for her youngest sister Margaret. Mary earned her undergraduate degree from St. Joseph’s University and went on to obtain her master’s degree from Villanova University, where she met the love of her life. Bill was a popular, smart, and handsome athlete. Mary, a quiet, humble, and studious young lady, who was stunningly beautiful, but extremely modest. She expressed many times her gratitude that Bill chose her given his big man on campus status.

She married Bill in the early 60’s and had four children, Billy, Mary Beth, Nancy, and Karl. Her career pivoted from teaching at Waldron Academy to being a full time Mother. Her love of natural wholesome food continued, always providing homemade bread, cookies, and meals to her family. She often went to multiple locations to procure the best quality foods to prepare. She was quite simply, the best Mother and Wife anyone could wish for. We all knew how lucky we were.

Once the children were grown, Mary resumed her career at Rosemont College where she was the counselor to many students helping them acclimate to college life with a focus on English language assistance for foreign students. She loved art and painting, ultimately pursuing a degree from The Philadelphia Academy of Fine Arts during this time.

Mary went on to teach art at St. Monica’s in Berwyn, her children’s alma mater. Her love of art and children were perfectly matched in this dream job she held for 10 years before she decided to retire.

Her love of travel began, where she visited many European countries and cities, such as Paris, Portugal, Cape Town, Istanbul, Morocco, Sweden, Spain, Poland, Germany, Corsica, Czech Republic, and Italy. Many of these trips were taken with her family.

She waited a long time to experience her grandchildren, Margo (8), and Miles (4) Rahn, who came along in the nick of time. As mom said, it took a while, but it was well worth the wait! Sarah, Margo, and Miles have brought so much love and joy to Mom and the family.

Most recently Mary spent significant time in NYC at the family apartment, while spending weekends at the family home in Berwyn. She loved the quaint neighborhood of the Upper Westside, Opera, Museums, Lincoln Center, and of course Central Park. She also loved the pool and the gardens in Berwyn, where she continued to bake and enjoy cozy winter fires especially around the holidays.

Mary will remembered by all that knew her as a loving, kind, and gentle soul who never complained and always smiled even in her last hours.

In lieu of flowers please consider a contribution to The Daylesford Abbey.