Mary Arnold

Mary Theresa Arnold (née Murphy), a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and lifelong servant of the Catholic Church, passed away peacefully on January 16, 2025, at the age of 89. Born in Mayfair, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, to Harry Murphy and Mary Theresa Murphy, Mary dedicated her life to her family, faith, and community.

Alongside her late husband, John William Arnold Jr., Mary gave birth to 16 children, whom she raised in St. Jerome's Parish in Northeast Philadelphia, instilling a deep love for the Church and its teachings. A staunch pro-life advocate, she devoted herself to defending the sanctity of life and supporting the vulnerable.

After raising all of her children, and at age 62, Mary embarked on her career as a Computer Science teacher at Nativity BVM Catholic Grade School located in Port Richmond, Philadelphia. During her career, she built multiple computer labs, creating invaluable opportunities for students to learn and thrive in an ever-changing technological world. She later taught at St. Laurentius School and retired at the remarkable age of 81 but continued to share her faith by teaching CCD classes. A daily communicant, Mary found strength in the Eucharist and shared her unwavering faith with others.

Mary's compassion extended far beyond her family. In the 1970s, she opened her home to foster children from St. Vincent's Orphanage and provided shelter to unwed mothers, creating a haven for those in need. Her life was a testament to service, faith, and love.

Mary is survived by her 16 children: Mary Therese von Vital (Michael), John William Arnold III (Susan), Ellen Marie Amedeo (Dominic), Catherine Marie Cady (Richard), Rosemarie (Hawthorne) Wells (late Russell), Bernadette Marie Francesco (Louis), Joseph Theodore Arnold (late Deborah), Anne Marie McMahon, James Paul Arnold (Mary Carol), Thomas Patrick Arnold, Margaret Mary Shepherd (Joseph), Harry James Arnold (Renee), Michelle Marie Healy (late Patrick), Matthew Andrew Arnold, Regina Marie Rausch (Christopher), and Andrew Richard Arnold (Devon). She also leaves behind 46 grandchildren, 33 great-grandchildren, and countless others whose lives she touched.

Relative and friends are invited to her viewing 6 to 8 pm Thursday, January 23, 2025, at John F. Fluehr and Sons Funeral Home, 3301 Cottman Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19149.

There will be a second viewing on Saturday, January 25, 2025, from 8 to 10 am at St. Jerome's Church, 8100 Colfax Street, Philadelphia, PA 19136. Her mass will begin after the viewing at 10:30 am. Interment will take place at Our Lady of Grace Cemetery in Langhorne, PA after mass.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Guiding Star Ministries: 222 North 17th Street, 3rd Floor, Philadelphia, PA 19103

Phone: 215-587-3555

Website: https://www.guidingstar.org/donations

Mary Theresa Arnold's life of faith and service leaves an enduring legacy of love and devotion to God, her family, and her community