Mary Smith Chesler

Mary Smith Chesler

Mary Smith Chesler, 85, of Charlottesville, died Saturday, October 24, 2009, at the Martha Jefferson Hospital, after a long illness.

Mary was born August 22, 1924, in Ramsey, England, a daughter of the late Percy and Annie Sampson Smith. She was also preceded in death by her husband, Bernard Chesler; two sisters, Doreen and Margaret; and a brother, Percy.

Mary was a nurse during World War II in Cambridge, England, caring for wounded servicemen from the Allied forces. During this time she met and married Bernard Chesler of Cleveland, Ohio, who at the time was a test pilot for the United States Air Force, having completed his tour of missions as a fighter pilot. Mary, a British war bride, came to the United States in 1946. She and Bernard settled in Cleveland, Ohio, where they raised their family. Mary was active in the Girl Scouts, Cub Scouts and was awarded a lifetime membership to the PTA. Later, she returned to a career in nursing until her retirement.

Mary and Bernard moved to Charlottesville in 1989. They were instrumental in the planning and development of the new Senior Center at Pepsi Place. They were particularly proud of the rose garden there. Throughout the years, Mary enjoyed dancing, golfing, knitting, bowling, bridge, and cooking (most notably her famous chocolate chip cookies.) She was a warm and loving person who will be greatly missed by her family.

Mary is survived by her son, Dr. David L. Chesler and his wife, Betsy, of Charlottesville; her daughter, Dr. Barbara Chesler Buckner and her husband, Gene, of Conway, South Carolina; five grandchildren, Sarah Anderson and her husband, Jay, Jennie Chesler, Amanda Chesler, Eric Grugel, and Amy Elizabeth Resnik and her husband, Joey; four great-grandchildren; a sister, Olive Smith Norman and her husband, John, of England; a brother, John Smith of England; and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.

The family would like to thank the assisted living staff at Our Lady of Peace, the staff of the Cedars Nursing Home, and the doctors, nurses, and staff at the Martha Jefferson Hospital, who cared for her.

A graveside service will be held 3 p.m. Sunday, October 25, 2009, at Monticello Memory Gardens. Following the service, the family will receive friends at the home of David and Betsy Chesler.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Jefferson Area Board for Aging (JABA), 674 Hillsdale Drive, Charlottesville, VA 22901.

Friends may send condolences to the family at www.hillandwood.com.


This obituary was originally published in the Daily Progress.