Mary Epler Obituary

Mary Lou Epler, 69, Pennside, died Saturday morning, Feb. 27, 2010, in St. Joseph Medical Center, Bern Township.

Born in Reading, she was a daughter of the late Dorothy J. (DiMascio) Missimer.

Mrs. Epler was a customer service representative for many years, retiring from Wachovia Bank in 2003.

She was a member of the St. Lawrence Woman's Club and a 1958 graduate of Exeter High School.

Surviving are two sons, Jay D. Epler, husband of Sherry A., St. Lawrence; and Robert E. Epler, husband of Katherine J., Richfield, Minn.; and a daughter, Beth A. Epler, Pennside.

There are also grandchildren: McKenzie, Gabriel, William and Joanna.

Other survivors include sisters: Joan, wife of William Neison, Allentown; Roseanne, widow of Gordon McCrea, Fleetwood; and Josephine, wife of Gilbert Carrozza, Exeter Township.

She was predeceased by a sister, Ruth Schuyler, formerly Boyertown.

Family will receive friends on Thursday from 10 to 11 a.m. in Lutz Funeral Home Inc., Mount Penn, with services following at 11 a.m. Burial will be in Gethsemane Cemetery.

For online condolences, please visit www.lutzfuneralhome.com.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Reading Eagle on Feb. 28, 2010.

Memories and Condolences
for Mary Epler

5 Entries

Flo Peck

March 3, 2010

Mary Lou loved a joke and always spoke fondly of her customers at the bank. She and I rode the bus together from high school as we lived out Jacksonwald way. She explained things about Catholicism to me as our senior year I was dating a Catholic fellow, and my father was the minister then at Schwarzwald UCC. So we talked seriously as well about many things. It was always a joy to see her on my August visits to PA as well as at the class of ’58 reunions and the special time several of us shared when Mary Ellen hosted us for a week at Bonita Beach several winters ago. Mary Lou was forever proud of her children and grandchildren and as fond of her sisters as I remembered from our school bus rides. My deepest sympathies to all of you and my gratitude for her part in my life.
Flo Breisch Peck, Salisbury NC

Below are a few comments which came my way from other out of state 1958 classmates with whom I shared the news of Mary Lou’s passing to her eternal home:

Very sad to hear this. I only hope that her life had some sense of positive fulfillment for her.

It just doesn't seem possible that we are losing more classmates.

I remember Mary Lou as always having a smile on her face.

Robin Calm

February 28, 2010

Jay and Family,
I am so sorry to hear of the loss of your Mother. I will pray for the strength needed for you and your family during this difficult time.

Ned Farnsworth

February 28, 2010

I met Mary Lou when I went to work at the Sixth Street Branch of Meridian Bank in 1993. I was a brand new customer service representative, and to say that I had a lot to learn is an understatement. Mary Lou was a seasoned pro, and she taught me many things without making me feel stupid. That is probably one of the best things you could ever say about anyone. I worked with her for over three years before leaving the bank to become a teacher. What she taught me about treating others with respect while they are going through the learning process stays with me to this day.

Now I teach at a small university in the U.S. territory of Guam. The last time I saw Mary Lou was in the summer of 2007 during our last trip to the States. She fussed over the kids and insisted that we take home the snacks she had contributed to our gathering. She always thought I was "too skinny."

We have stayed in touch at Christmas and birthdays. In fact, we just sent her a card a couple of weeks ago for her recent birthday. I will miss Mary Lou's animated stories, her helpfulness, and her friendship. Our Sixth Street reunions will never be the same. Our prayers go out to her family and friends. God bless you all.

Donna Bird

February 28, 2010

Mary Lou was a faithful member of our card club for many years. We never failed to have a, "make you cry," laugh while in her company.Card club will never be the same. At work, she was always the professional who had that keen sense to know what was REALLY going on. Beth, Jay, Rob and the rest of her family, you are in my thoughts and prayers. Donna Bird

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Karen Sweigart

February 28, 2010

I met Mary Lou way back in 1985 when I worked for American Bank and Trust. I always loved her awesome sense of humor, her style, and her straight forward way of talking. I could always count on Mary Lou to tell me what she thought, and I appreciated that more than she probably knew. Even though I only saw her a few times a year since she retire, I will miss her very much. Beth, Jay, Rob and the rest of her family are in my thoughts and prayers.

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