Mary Jane Irvin Keim
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Mary Jane Irvin Keim, 86, of Lancaster, formerly of Parkesburg, passed away on Sunday, November 16, 2008 at her home in the Brethren Village Retirement Community. She was the wife of the late George V. Keim. Born in Lancaster, she was the daughter of the late J. Martin and Viola Luttenberger Irvin.
Mary Jane graduated from McCaskey High School in 1940 and continued her education at Millersville State Teachers College graduating in 1944. She began her lifelong teaching career in Pottsgrove and retired from the Octorara School District in 1984 with 27 years of service.
She was a member of the Church of the Open Bible in Parkesburg and the Parkesburg Area Senior Citizens.
She is survived by two daughters: Cynthia L., wife of Richard F. Miller of Willow Street and Suzanne K., wife of Dale Groff of Gap; four grandchildren, Heidi Morgan of Lancaster, Holly Mann of Willow Street, Sarah Byler of Gap, and Richard Miller III of Refton; and five great grandchildren. Special thanks to her caregivers Becky, Gwen and Stephanie.
Funeral services will be held on Friday, November 21, 2008 at 11:00 am from the Parkesburg United Presbyterian Church, 511 W. Main St. Parkesburg, PA followed by interment at the Upper Octorara Cemetery. Family and friends are also invited to attend the viewing at the church from 9:30 am until the time of the service.
A memorial service will also be held at the Brethren Village Chapel on Thursday evening, November 20, 2008 at 7:00 PM.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in her memory to AseraCare Hospice, 315 Primrose Lane Suite 101, Mountville, PA 17554.
Arrangements have been entrusted to the Wilde Funeral Home of Parkesburg. Online condolences can be posted at www.wildefuneralhome.com
Condolences
MARY JANE KEIM
Suzanne;
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your entire family.
I often think of your Mother and my loving school was because of her.
Many fond memories from our "Elementary" years always begin with her.
Take care and know my heart goes out to you and yours !!
Sincerely,
Donna "Katherman" Armstrong
610-696-8098
Mary Jane Keim
Suzanne, Dale and family:
What a wonderful person and teacher! Mrs. Keim was our kindergarden teacher at Parkesburg Elementary School in 1959. However, due to the fire, she had to teach our class in the old Parkesburg Fire Hall. She was a sweetheart! She started our life off with caring and much love! Suzanne, I think you previously told me that she had lost one of the christmas tree earrings that I bought for her at Mabel Fox's jewelry store. Perhaps now, she has found it!
Jack Mariano,
Gap PA
Thoughts and Prayers
Dear Suzanne and Family... our thoughts and prayers go out to everyone in your family. I know this is a hard time for you all... We have been thinking about you, during this trying time.
Much Love > Susan, Stoney, JT & Nick.
Mrs. Keim
Hello Suzanne & Dale - Our condolences on the passing of Mrs. Keim. She was my kindergarten teacher at the former Parkesburg school (it went from k-5 then)in 1967-68. She had her hands full that year as one of her most challenging pupils was the late Robert Hoover - he had issues galore and most of her time seemed to be consumed in dealing with them. Tragically, he and six of his siblings died in a horrific fire on Maple Street on January 5, 1968. Mrs. Keim's next challenge was to try to explain the tragedy to our class and attempt to make five year olds develop some understanding of it.
I remember Mr. Keim clerking part-time in the late Delno Large's small store on Chestnut Street in Parkesburg when I was a kid as well.
Best regards, and I hope you still have Della Radcliff's 1956 Chevrolet.
-- Kerry Glenn