Mary L. Bechdel, 80, of Howard, passed away on Thursday, November 7, 2024, at Mount Nittany Medical Center in State College. Born on March 14, 1944, in Bellefonte, she was the daughter of the late Charles E. and Clara May (Young) Chamberlin. On April 21, 1996, she married Samuel A. Bechdel, who passed away on February 24, 2016.
Mary attended Penns Valley Area High School. She was a Custodian at Penn State University, retiring in 2000.
Mary was of the Protestant Faith. She was very active as a member of the Ladies Auxiliary Potters Mills VFW Post 9575, where she served as Past President and Past Treasurer. She enjoyed all types of crafts and camping. Her favorite pastime was being with her family. She adored them all greatly.
Mary is survived by her three children: Gary L. Estright of Aaronsburg, Charles A. Estright of Lewisburg, and Thomas W. Estright of Colyer; four step children: Melvin D. Bechdel of Pleasant Gap, Allen J. Bechdel of Lamar, LuAnn Rider of Milesburg, and Terri Bechdel of WA., 10 grandchildren, 18 great grandchildren.
She is also survived by her four brothers: Russell A. Chamberlin of Howard, James A. Chamberlin of Spring Mills, Gerald E. Chamberlin of Centre Hall, and John P. Chamberlin of Centre Hall.
Along with her parents and husband, Mary was preceded in death by three brothers: Charles Chamberlin, Terry Chamberlin, and Donald “Tubby” Chamberlin.
A public viewing will be held on Wednesday, November 13, 2024, from 10am -12 noon at the Daughenbaugh Funeral Home in Milesburg. A funeral service will follow at the funeral home with Carol Clark Baney officiating. Mary will be laid to rest privately at Centre County Memorial Park, College Twp.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Daughenbaugh Funeral Home, Inc in Milesburg, PA. An online guest book can be signed, or you may post your condolences to the family at www.daughenbaughfuneralhome.com.