Mary E. Gindhart, 94, of Bellefonte passed away peacefully on January 19th at home surrounded by her family. Born in Philadelphia on January 9, 1932, she was the daughter of the late Walter J. Hilpl and Della (Meehan) Hilpl. On July 16, 1955, she married her beloved husband Charles, who preceded her in death seven years ago.
Born at the end of the Great Depression, she lived through WWII and witnessed incredible societal changes through nearly 100 years of life. We loved to hear stories of her mother’s experience coming to America from Ireland, her father’s life in an orphanage, her childhood home in the Olney neighborhood of Philadelphia, her meeting Charles, and their adventures raising their boys.
Mary was a graduate of Little Flower Catholic High School in Philadelphia. Her vocation was as a wife and mother and she stayed home to raise four boys: Paul Gindhart (Naomi) of Huntsville, AL, Stephen Gindhart (Margaret) of Haverford, PA, John Gindhart (Andrea) of Bellefonte, PA and David Gindhart (Julie) of Port Matilda, PA. She had 15 grandchildren and 3 great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by two brothers, Walter and John. She was the last surviving member of her generation on both sides of the family.
Mary and Charles lived most of their lives in the Philadelphia area except for five years in Huntsville, Alabama. They moved to Bellefonte, PA 12 years ago and were members of St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church.
Mary was foremost and always a devout Catholic and loving wife and mother. She was involved in numerous activities and roles related to church and school throughout the years of raising children. Her focus was always her family, supporting them in whatever they were doing – school, sports, and activities, and always in prayer. As she became a grandmother, she and Charles loved to host the grandchildren at their home known as Camp Gindhart which was filled with toys, play, and love. They served as babysitters at Wallingford Presbyterian Church for their Sunday services for 25 years.
After their children were grown, Mary and Charles became active in the pro-life movement. Mary was deeply committed to the pro-life cause and participated in the Operation Rescue movement of the late eighties and early nineties. She frequently participated in protests and civil disobedience and served multiple prison sentences to save the lives of the unborn.
A traditional Latin Requiem Mass will be held on Saturday, January 24 at 10:00 AM at the Carmel of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph at 327 Water Street in Fairfield, PA. Prior to the Mass, there will be a viewing in the chapel starting at 9:00 AM. A graveside service will be held at Sts. Peter and Paul Cemetery in Springfield, PA (Delaware County) on Saturday, January 31 at 11:00 AM. Arrangements are under the direction of Wetzler Funeral Service, Inc. in Bellefonte.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Carmel of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph at 327 Water St. Fairfield, PA 17320 or at fairfieldcarmelites.org/take-action.
Online condolences may be made to the family at www.wetzlerfuneralhome.com