Mary L. Whitaker

Mary L. (Heurich) Whitaker, 87, of Murrysville, formerly of Monroeville, died Thursday, July 20, 2017, at her residence with her family by her side. She was the beloved wife of the late Robert E. Whitaker Sr., D.Div.; loving mother of Lois (the late William) Gregg, Nancy (Paul) Newbury, Robert E. (Pat) Whitaker, Paul (Terri) Whitaker, John (Naomi) Whitaker and Mark (Melissa) Whitaker; grandmother of 26 and great-grandmother of 10; and sister of Gertrude Panza and the late Henry Heurich, Loretta Meacham and Caroline Connolly. Mary was the faithful wife and companion of Robert Whitaker, to whom she was married for 51 years until his death in 2012. She supported him as he founded and built the Christian publishing and distributing companies Whitaker House and Anchor Distributors. Together they enthusiastically raised six children, as one of Bob's favorite sayings was, "Children are a heritage of the Lord. Blessed is the man whose quiver is full of them." Mary was the delight of her 26 grandchildren and she delighted in her 10 (so far) great-grandchildren. Mary was friendly to all she met. Her husband, Bob, said he was always surprised that even strangers stopped to talk and smile at her and that strangers were just friends she hadn't met yet. She had many loyal friends and neighbors whom she met through bowling, playing bridge, playing 500, and through the many activities of her children. She loved traveling and especially loved the ocean. Her faith in Jesus Christ helped her through difficult times. She will be deeply missed.
Friends will be received from 4 to 8 p.m. Friday at JOBE FUNERAL HOME AND CREMATORY INC. (MONROEVILLE/PLUM CHAPEL), corner of (445) Beatty Road and 48 North, Monroeville (412-856-4747) and from 9 to 11 a.m. Saturday at the Monroeville Assembly of God, followed by a service. Private interment will follow at Allegheny Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be made to Sheep Inc. Health Care Center, 4561 Old William Penn Highway, Monroeville PA 15146, checks payable to SIHCC. www.jobefuneralhome.com.