Mary Helen Andres

1920 - 2023

Mary Helen Andres, a beloved lifelong resident of South Scranton, passed away peacefully at the age of 103. As the early morning sun painted the sky with hues of a new day, she departed her earthly home and joined the angels in her heavenly home. She was surrounded by her loving family at the home of her daughter, Judith A. Walsh, with whom she had been residing.

Mary, the daughter of the late Carey and Kathryn Gill Needham, was born on April 28, 1920 in Scranton. She was a proud graduate of St. John's High School and Lackawanna Business College. Mary's career journey began as a telephone operator for Bell Telephone Co., and later she worked as a dedicated bookkeeper/secretary for Modern Machine Shop, a business owned by her late husband, Robert E. Andres, to whom she was happily married for an incredible 65 years.

Devotion to her faith, family, and community defined Mary's life. She was a cherished member of St. Paul of the Cross Parish and actively participated in various parish societies. Her commitment to her beliefs was also evident through her regular attendance at St. Ann's Novena. Mary found joy in traveling alongside her husband to Atlantic City, exploring new places, and tending to their farm in Covington Twp. As the years passed, she treasured vacations to Avalon and Myrtle Beach with her daughter, grandchildren, and great-grandchild. Her family brought her immense happiness, and she cherished moments spent with them above all else.

Mary possessed unwavering faith in God, which was matched only by her incredible strength. She maintained close ties with her family, frequently attending milestone events such as graduations, weddings, dance recitals, and award ceremonies, quietly recognizing their hard work and dedication with thoughtful gestures.

Mary will forever be remembered as a woman of deep faith, unshakable strength, boundless love for her family, and having a sweet spot for dark chocolate. Her generosity knew no bounds, and her legacy will continue to inspire and guide those who were fortunate enough to know her. In her passing, we find solace in the beautiful memories she leaves behind and the love that will forever reside in our hearts.

Mary is survived by her loving family, including her son, Robert G. Andres, and his wife, Kathryn; her daughter, Judith A. Walsh, and her husband, Leonard; her granddaughter, Dr. Alesia A. Walsh, and her fiancé, Nicholas D'Andrea; her grandson, Dr. Leonard T. Walsh, and his wife, Nicole; and her great-granddaughter, Olivia Walsh. Also left to cherish her memory are her son-in-law, Frank T. Yakupcin, and her granddaughter, Kaitlin Andres Yakupcin, and her fiancée, Theresa Longstreet. Her brother, Carey Needham, remained a steadfast presence in her life, with weekly visits that brought comfort and companionship.

Mary was preceded in death by her daughter, Maureen K. Andres Yakupcin; her infant brother, Joseph Needham; her sister, Kathleen Goodrich; and her brother-in-law, Sheldon Goodrich. She was also preceded by her sister-in-law, Ann Needham.

The funeral will be conducted Tuesday with Mass of Christian Burial at 10 a.m. in St. Paul of the Cross Parish at Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary Church, 1217 Prospect Ave., Scranton. Interment, St. Catherine's Cemetery, Moscow. Friends and family may pay their respects Tuesday from 9 a.m. until time of Mass in the church.

Arrangements are entrusted to Miller Bean Funeral Home Inc., Scranton. Please visit the funeral home website to leave an online condolence.