Mary A. Koepke

Mary Koepke, 98, formerly of Ross, died on February 20, at Lutheran Senior Life Passavant Community, Zelienople where she had resided since 2001. Born Mary Bernice Aeberli to Helen Hoon Aeberli and Howard Aeberli in Pittsburgh, she was a late Christmas present. She graduated from Oliver High School and attended Carnegie Tech as an art major. Mary married Howard Koepke on June 28, 1949. Mary was a fine artist, writer, homemaker and, when the nest was empty, returned to school earning an English degree from LaRoche College.

Mary and Howard raised their family in the North Hills. Mary was a member of the North Hills Art Center, where she took classes and exhibited her watercolors, and Northmont Presbyterian Church, where she taught Sunday School. Her involvement in several writers’ groups, including the St. Davids Christians Writers’ Conference, led to awards for and publication of her pieces. In later days she continue enjoying crocheting, photography, writing and art classes at Passavant Community. Her involvement in the formation of campus wide prayer groups was a result of her deep faith.

Mary was preceded in death by her parents, brothers Howard and Bill, and husband Howard in 2006. Surviving are children Elaine Fry, Kurt Koepke, and ChrisAnn Goossen (Robert); grandchildren Christopher Fry, Matthew Caulfield and Nicholas Goossen.

There will be no calling hours. A private graveside service will be held at the National Cemetery of the Alleghenies.

A  memorial Service for Mary will be held on Saturday March 15,2025 in the Seaman Chapel at Passavant Retirement Community, Zelienople at 10:30 A.M.

Memorials may be made to Lutheran Senior Life Foundation Memo: Passavant Benevolent Care Fund,  300 W. Beaver St., Zelienople, PA 16063. Arrangements by McDonald-Aeberli Funeral Home, Inc., Mars. www.mcdonald-aeberli.com