Friday, March 29, 2024

Obituary of Mary Sterner , 90

Name of Deceased Mary Sterner
Age 90
Date of Death 06/24/2010
Date of Birth 12/13/1919
Funeral Home Mark D. Heintzelman Funeral Service

Mary Sterner, 90, of State College, formerly of West Palm Beach, FL, died on Thursday, June 24, 2010 at the Fairways at Brookline.

She was born on December 13, 1919 in Saint Clair, PA, a daughter of the late Michael and Sophia (Kozar) Pushcarovich.

In 1937, she was married to Alan Sterner, who preceded her in death in 1986.

One of the early "returning adult students," she graduated first in her class from East Stroudsburg State Teachers College (now University), obtaining her Bachelor of Science degree in 1957. She went on to earn a Masters degree at Lehigh University.

Mrs. Sterner served as a highly regarded and honored school teacher in Stroudsburg, PA and principal in Fairfax, VA.

She and her husband retired to West Palm Beach, FL in 1976 where she substitute taught until she was 84 years of age. She was an active member of Unity of the Palm Beaches for over 30 years, where she is survived by many cherished friends.

She returned to spend her last few years close to family in Pennsylvania. Until shortly before her death, she resided at The Oaks at Pleasant Gap.

She is survived by two daughters, Marilyn Sterner Keat (Donald B.) of State College, and Alana Sterner-Lind (Robert) of Melbourne, Australia; one son, Gary Sterner (Kathleen McCurdy Sterner) of West Hartford, CT; two sisters, Helen Smith of Wayne, PA and Isabel West of Barnesville, PA; and two brothers, Andrew Baymor of Conyngham, PA and John Baymor of Green Valley, AZ. Also surviving are her beloved grandchildren and great-grandchildren: Daniel Sterner of W. Hartford, CT; Preston Sterner Keat (Jill Lally) of London, UK and children Jonas, Miles, and Emilia Mary Keat; Brandon Keat (Gretchen Kurtz Keat) of Pittsburgh, PA and children William, James, and Joseph Keat; Justin Keat (Kiera Nieuwejaar) of Brooklyn, NY and children Solveig Keat and Ansel Nieuwejaar; Cameron Taylor (Beth Dolan) of Melbourne, Australia and son Thomas Taylor; Ashley Taylor (Rachel Cousins) of Melbourne, Australia and sons Leo and Alvin Taylor; and Lauren Taylor of Melbourne, Australia. She was treasured by her family and others for her bright and loving spirit, her generosity, and her intelligence.

In addition to her husband, she was preceded in death by two brothers, two sisters, and one granddaughter, Megan Keat.

Services will be private and at the convenience of the family.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Mrs. Sterner's memory to: Unity of the Palm Beaches, 1957 S. Flagler Drive, West Palm Beach, FL 33401 or The Oaks at Pleasant Gap, 200 Rachel Drive, Pleasant Gap, PA 16823.

A guest book can be signed or condolences sent to the family at www.heintzelmanfuneralhome.com.