Mary Duncan (Wirt) Elser

Mary Duncan (Wirt) Elser

A Polished and Proper Lady -

Mary Duncan (Wirt) Elser, 101, of Mechanicsburg died Tuesday, October 25, 2011 at home and in the company of her loving children, Bob and Jo.

Mary was born on Wednesday, May 4, 1910 in Chambersburg, the daughter of the late George Herman and Anna Martha (Avery) Wirt, who died shortly after giving birth to Mary, and Bertha Belle (Sellers) Wirt who was Mary’s nurse at birth and who later married George and raised Mary as her daughter.  George was the first Pennsylvania State Forrester and the founder and first director of the Mont Alto School of Forestry which is now the Penn State School of Forestry.  He was also one of the “Biltmore Immortals”.

Mary was the widow of J. Robert Elser who she married on Saturday, September 21, 1940.  Robert was a graduate of the Wharton School of Finance and the President and CEO of the Merchants & Businessmen’s Mutual of Harrisburg, PA.

Mary graduated from Camp Hill High School as part of the class of 1928 and from Indiana State Teachers College, now Indiana University of Pennsylvania, with a Bachelor’s Degree in Fine Arts.  Mary was a member and past President of the Mechanicsburg Federated Women’s Club; a member and past Regent of the Cumberland County Chapter of the DAR; and a long-time member of the Mechanicsburg Presbyterian Church having joined on March 19, 1942.  She performed social service work in Harrisburg for many years.

Mary had a charitable spirit and gave generously to numerous organizations, including Messiah College.  She established an endowed scholarship fund at Messiah College which reflects her unwavering support of education.  Mary was a classical pianist and she loved to play.  She taught herself to play the Irish Harp at the young age of 90 and continued to sing with both the Women’s Choir at Bethany Village and the Choir at the Historic Peace Church.  Mary was a polished and proper lady with a wonderful sense of humor and she will be deeply missed by her family and all who had the privilege to know her.

Mary’s survivors include her three loving children: Dr. Robert Cooper Elser of York; Mary Duncan (Elser) Long of Atlanta, GA; Jo Anne (Elser) Day of Mechanicsburg; one sister: Julia Wirt Teasley of Williamsburg, VA; four grandsons; two granddaughters; nine great grandchildren and several nieces and nephews.  In addition to Mary’s parents and loving husband of 56 years, she is preceded in death by one brother: George Wirt; and one sister: Elizabeth Wirt Bailey.

The family sends their most heartfelt thanks to the entire team at Griswold Special Care who so lovingly cared for Mary.

All are welcome to join Mary’s family at her viewing on Saturday, October 29 2011, from 12:30 to 1:30 at Bethany Village in the Chapel and at her visitation from 1:30 until time of funeral service at 2:00 at Bethany Village in the Community Room , 325 Wesley Drive, Mechanicsburg, PA, 17055 with Reverend Brand W. Eaton and Pastor Myrtle E. McCall officiating.  Burial will be at the convenience of the family in Rolling Green Memorial Park, Camp Hill.  Honored to be pallbearers are: Bob Buhrig, Bill Christopher, Richard Coleman, Michael Forte, Glenn Huffer and Timothy Yeakle.  Mary’s family invites everyone to join them for a Time of Food and Fellowship at Bethany Village in the Community Room on Saturday following the service.

The family suggests memorial contributions to either the:  Joseph T. Simpson Public Library, 16 North Walnut Street, Mechanicsburg, PA, 17055 or the compassionate burial fund for those in financial need, in care of: Myers–Buhrig Funeral Home and Crematory , 37 East Main Street, Mechanicsburg, PA, 17055.

Mary’s family has entrusted her care to Myers–Buhrig Funeral Home and Crematory , (717) 766-3421, www.Myers-Buhrig.com .

Please share your memories and photos of Mary and offer your condolences at www.SharingSpecialMemories.com or www.Myers-Buhrig.com .