MARY C. RUSH

Mary C. (nee Simonis) Rush, 35, of Chestnut Hill, died on Sunday, Jan. 5, 2014.
She is survived by her husband, Stephen Rush; her parents, Mark and Christina Simonis; her sisters, Florence Simonis, Joanna Herres (Joseph); her brother, Matthias Simonis; her nephew, Jack; and her grandfather, Dennis S. Simonis. Besides her deceased grandparents, Florence Simonis and Thomas and Mary Walrath, her surviving extended family includes, seven uncles, Karl Simonis, Dennis M. Simonis, Ken Simonis, Edward Toole, Thomas Walrath, Stanley Darroch, Brian Dygert; six aunts, Diann Simonis, Priscilla Walrath, Mary Toole, Brenda Walrath, Sally Walrath, Tracy Darroch, Cassy Dygert, and eight cousins, John Simonis, Barrett Simonis, Michael Simonis, Jeremy Walrath, Ivan Walrath, Tessie Darroch, Caitlin Cassielo, and Addie Dygert.
Mary was born in Wellsboro and attended Wellsboro public schools and New Covenant Academy in Mansfield. After receiving degrees at the University of Notre Dame and the University College of Dublin (Ireland) she taught at Immaculata College (Philadelphia), St. Charles (Philadelphia), St. Patrick (Philadelphia), and most recently taught English Literature at Merion Mercy Academy (Philadelphia). At Merion, she was responsible for many of the student extracurricular activities, including The Women for Life and Love Club, the school year book, student mission trips, and the student travel abroad program. She was a lover of English and Irish literature and was an active member of the Jane Austen Society of North America (JASNA) and the Bloom society. In addition to her interest in literature, she had a great love for music and song. She sang, played guitar and piano and was very involved with folk groups and church related performances throughout her life. She loved fitness in all forms and was an avid runner. Prayer was a central part of her life. She spent her childhood as a member of St. Peter's parish in Wellsboro and most recently at Our Mother of Consolation Church in Chestnut Hill.
Relatives and friends are invited to join in a memorial mass at St. Peter's Catholic Church in Wellsboro on Saturday, Feb. 1, at 9 a.m. The mass will be celebrated by St. Peter's pastor Fr. John Chmil. Interment will be at a later date in St. Peter's Cemetery, Wellsboro. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Merion Mercy Academy, 511 Montgomery Ave., Merion Station, Pa. 19066. Contributions will be used for faculty professional development and the Women for Life Club.