Mary Josephine (Leard) Elder

Mary Josephine (Leard) Elder, 98, of Cabot, passed away Tuesday December 17, 2024 at Concordia Lutheran Ministries in Cabot. She was born July 25, 1926 in Adrian , she was the daughter of the late Joseph E. and Anna S. (Wyant) Leard. Mary was married to O. Bernard Elder on August 13, 1949. Bernard preceded her in death July 27, 2009.

Mary was a 1943 graduate of Kittanning High School. Following graduation, she attended Thiel College in Greenville, PA and graduated in the class of 1948. Mary began a teaching career at Shannock Valley High School in Rural Valley, PA in September of 1948 and remained there until June of 1959, at which time she took employment with the U.S.D.A, Armstrong County until her retirement in 1990.

Mary was a member of St. Mark's Lutheran Church in Adrian during her entire life. For several years she served on St. Mark's council and also served 30 years as church treasurer. Following her retirement, she was active with the "Kitchen Crew" at St. Mark's and on several committees. She was known by many as a volunteer of the ACMH Auxiliary, serving at the lunch counter in the hospital snack shop.

Mrs. Elder is survived by a sister-in-law Colleen Elder; several nieces, nephews, and cousins; also several great-nieces and nephews.

In addition to her parents and husband, Mary was preceded in death by her brother, Finley and his wife, Mildred Leard; brother, James and his wife, Mildred Leard; sister, Ruth Quinn and her husband, Fred; nieces, Sandra Lee Brown and Lucinda Leard; and nephews, Ralph Leard and Kelly Leard. 

Friends and family of Mary J. Elder will be received on Saturday December 21, 2024 at St. Mark's Lutheran Church, 280 Church Road, Adrian, PA 16210, from 10:00 a.m. until the time of a service at 11:00 A.M. with Rev. Matthew Vatalare officiating. Interment will follow in St. Mark's Lutheran Church Cemetery.  In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Mary's honor to St. Mark's Lutheran Church, 280 Church Road, Adrian, PA 16210.  

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