Mary Louise Rhoads Kip

Mary Louise Rhoads Kip of Audubon passed away May 10, 2013 at age 87. Born in Norristown to Kathryn M. Harrington and F. Alan Rhoads, Mary Louise was the beloved wife of W. Stanton Kip and sister to Margaret Rhoads Ewing of Sacramento, CA. Having no children of her own, Mary Louise was a generous and loving aunt to her nieces Catherine Ewing, Jennifer Ewing, Debby Ewing, Barbara Kip, and Elinor Kip, her nephews Nicholas Ewing and Jeffrey Ewing, and her cousin Norah Kreger. Her great-nieces and great-nephews remember her fondly, and were often in her thoughts. A graduate of Norristown High School, class of 1943, Mary Louise went on to earn a degree in chemistry from the University of Pennsylvania in 1947. She was a person of diverse interests. With her husband Stanton, she spent some of her happiest hours sailing on Chesapeake Bay. She was a voracious reader and science fiction enthusiast. Always thorough, she meticulously researched the genealogy of her family, along with that of her brother-in-law George Ewing, going back many generations. Her research took her several times to Salt Lake City, where she combed through the extensive archives of the Mormon church in the fond company of her dear friend Mema Kilgannon. She was a lifelong animal lover, and all who knew her remember her deep love for her extended family of cats, who provided endless entertainment and companionship. Her intelligence and outgoing manner earned her many friends. She was an active member of the Daughters of the American Revolution, the Colonial Dames, and the Audubon Woman's Club. She will be missed by all. Mary Louise's family wishes to thank Charles and Nancy Stewart for their incalculable kindnesses to Mary Louise over many years. They are also very grateful for the compassion and care extended by Crossroads Hospice. Interment will take place at Washington Memorial Park at Valley Forge on Saturday, May 18 at 10:00 a.m. In memory of Mary Louise's love for animals, the family would encourage anyone wishing to honor Mary Louise to extend a helping hand or any act of kindness to animals in need. To share your memories of Mary Louise, please visit www.lifecelebration.com.