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Mary Racht Obituary
Born in Archbald on Sept. 4, 1941, a daughter of the late Clair and Florence (Collins) Kenny. Mary Lou was an elementary school teacher for Archbald School District, Scott School, Lakeland School District and Valley View School District where she taught for 35 years. Following retirement from Valley View, she became the education field experience supervisor for Marywood University from 2002 until 2015.
She was a member of St. John Vianney Parish, Montdale, and served as a Eucharist minister. She was a member of PSEA, NEA Education Associations, Pennsylvania Association of State Retired Teachers, Phi Delta Kappa - University of Scranton Chapter and American Business Women's Association - Scranton Chapter where in 1986, Mary Lou received the Woman of the Year award.
Mary Lou loved being a teacher. She remembered every student's name she ever had and always enjoyed meeting them when she was out and about. She was very proud of her Irish heritage. She loved playing her organ to entertain her friends and family. She also was a champion for women's rights. She had a quote she would like to share. Remember that "No woman should vote away any rights gained by generations who have fought and won all that we possess." - Mary Lou Racht
Surviving are a daughter, Teri Aschenbrenner and her husband, James, of Benton Twp.; brothers, Dr. Clair, and wife, Dr. Elizabeth Kenny, Scranton; James and wife, Nancy Kenny, Archbald. She is also survived by two grandchildren, Timothy and Rachel Aschenbrenner; and several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her sister, Anne Therese and her husband, Raymond Flanagan, Clarks Green.
A private graveside service was offered by her friend and pastor, the Rev. Michael Kirwin, on Saturday, April 25.
Mary Lou's family wishes to assure everyone that we will gather to celebrate her life with all who loved her at an appropriate time.
Memorial contributions can be made to St. John Vianney Parish, 704 Montdale Road, Scott Twp., PA 18447.
Arrangements by the Harrison Funeral Home, Archbald.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Mary Racht
Sponsored by Harrison Funeral Home - Archbald.
Linda Hughes
May 17, 2020
Mary Lou was one of a kind. I miss seeing her at mass & going to breakfast at the B&B with her & Judy. It will take time but you have alot of irreplacable memories that help get you thru.
Cathy Strauch
May 3, 2020
Mary was such a fine lady. SO friendly. My thoughts and prayers to all who are missing her physical presence here on earth.
Ann Stabel
May 1, 2020
Dear Teri, Jim, Rachel and Tim,
We are so sorry for your loss in these extremely harsh times, and are sending you our warmest feelings of sympathy and love from across the ocean. We remember your (grand)mother as a very outgoing person with always a big smile on her face.
Our thoughts are with you,
Love from all of us,
Ann, Johan, Sam, Toon and Kato,
Rachel's second home.
David Zangenberg
April 30, 2020
To the Kenny family, our sincere condolences to all of you.
Michael Walsh
April 30, 2020
To the Racht and Kenny Families; Please accept our sincerest condolences on the passing of Mary Lou. May Her Soul Rest in Peace. Amen.
Mary Jean and Mike Walsh
Peckville, Pa.
Ted Zayac
April 30, 2020
Teri... Losing that great Mom must have been tough for you. I know how close the two of you were. My thoughts and prayers for you, Jim, Timmy and Rachel.
Bob Wright
April 30, 2020
Beautiful person. Great career and family.
Adria Howe
April 29, 2020
Teri, your mom was an awesome lady. I remember her vividly. When you said your partner in crime, you hit the nail on the head. What a great relationship for you to cherish forever. I am sorry for your loss and the pain it brings. I know youve got wonderful memories to help get through this time. Much love to you all.
Linda Hughes
April 29, 2020
Terri,Jim& family so sorry for your loss. I enjoyed going to B&B with her on Sunday's. She was,as you all know a soecial lady who I was,glad to have known. It is,a beautiful picture.
Jim Taugher
April 29, 2020
Terry, I am sorry to hear your Mom. I remember our road trip to Philadelphia. She was a lovely woman, who will be missed. Sincerely, Jim
Peggy Kelly Seery
April 29, 2020
I knew Mary Lou almost 60 years ago when we worked at Eureka Printing and she gave me a ride from Dickson City. We had many laughs on the way to and from work. I also visited the bar may times and knew the family. Live in Florida now, no family left in Pennsylvania. I found this searching for the obit of a classmate from St. Pat's High School in Olyphant. My condolences to all of you.
April 29, 2020
We are thinking of you and sending lots of love - Jim, Eva, & Angelina Herbert
Carolyn Clark-Russo
April 29, 2020
I'm so sorry to read this about your mom. Mary Lou was a kind and generous person. I enjoyed sharing FB messages with her and visiting with her at your house. She'll be missed by many. May she rest in peace! Our sympathy and prayers with you during this sad time. May happy memories bring you comfort!
April 29, 2020
To my cousin and friend. I will miss you.
Marianne Farrell Ketcha
Marge Fortini
April 29, 2020
Only saw Mary Lou when I visited Judy, but I always enjoyed her company. Please accept my heartfelt condolences
Sue Brier
April 29, 2020
Dan and I are so sorry for the loss of your mother, grandmother and sister. We will always remember her smiling face just like the picture above.
Paul Garrick
April 29, 2020
Sorry to hear the loss of Mary Lou. I would miss seeing her coming on Sundays to 11: 00 O'Clock mass... She brought joy to me every time I saw Mary Lou come in the door to mass or to serve
April 29, 2020
I still have fond memories of my 1st grade teacher 30 years later. Condolences to the family of Mrs. Racht.
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