Mary Martha Mayes, of Lock Haven, entered into the joy of heaven through God's grace and friendship on May 29, 2012, after a courageous battle against cancer. At the time of her passing into eternal salvation, she was at home and comforted by loving members of her family.
Born on Feb. 26, in Lock Haven, Mary was the daughter of Frank and Flora Mazza St. Clair Hartman. She was preceded in death by her parents and her brother, Ronald Hartman, who passed away on May 16, 1993.
Mary was married to Willard (Will) Mayes on May 10, 1958; they remained devoted to each other through 54 years of marriage. No greater friendship or love could you imagine than that they shared. In addition to her husband, Mary is survived by three children, Greg Mayes (Sherry) of Mill Hall, David Mayes (Donna) of Mill Hall and Cindy Mayes (and life partner Barbara Foose) of State College. Mary is also survived by three grandchildren, Courtney, Connor and Ryan Mayes.
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Mary was a graduate of the Immaculate Conception High School in Lock Haven.
A devout Catholic and life-long member of the Saint Agnes Parish, she was a member of the Altar and Rosary Society and served as a volunteer at the annual church fair for many years. Mary was a member of the Beech Creek American Legion Auxiliary. She was employed at Piper Aircraft Corporation and later at Interform Corporation in Lock Haven, before her retirement in 1996. Mary enjoyed reading, crossword puzzles, her cat Brandy, jigsaw puzzles and board games. Mary was also an excellent cook, and being of Italian descent, pasta was a specialty.
Always happiest when spending time with her family, Mary brought tremendous joy and laughter to her husband, children and grandchildren through her sense of humor and fun-loving ways. Through the years, she taught them by example what strength, character, unconditional love and compassion are. Her courageous battle against cancer inspired everyone around her and was a testimony to her teachings and faith.
A Funeral Mass will be celebrated Saturday June 2, 2012, at 10 a.m. in the St. Agnes Catholic Church, 3 E. Walnut St., Lock Haven. Family and friends will be received in the Yost-Gedon Funeral Home, 121 W. Main St., Lock Haven, Friday June 1, 2012, from 6 to 8 p.m. with a Vigil For the Deceased at 7:30 p.m. and Alpine Star Services at 7:45 p.m. Burial will be in the St. Agnes Cemetery. Celebrant will be Father Michael Wolfe of the St. Benedict Catholic Church in Johnstown, Pa.
In lieu of flowers, memorials will be accepted to the Lock Haven Catholic School, 311 W. Water St., Lock Haven, PA 17745 or the American Cancer Society of Hershey Hope Lodge, PO Box 897, Hershey, PA 17745.
Arrangements are under the direction of the Yost-Gedon Funeral Home, 121 W. Main St., Lock Haven, Pa. Online thoughts and memories can be made at yost-gedonfuneralhome.com.
