Mary Helen (Thomas) Yates

Mary Helen (Thomas) Yates

Mary Helen (Thomas) Yates, age 93, of Mechanicsburg, passed away on Sunday, February 19, 2023.  Mary was born on Thursday, January 30, 1930, in Newark, NJ to the late Clifford Thomas and Mary (McDonough) Thomas-Campbell.  Mary was the widow of Alfred “Al” Charles Yates, whom she married on February 4, 1950, and who died on September 21, 1972.  In addition to her parents and husband, Mary is preceded in death by her brother, Thomas “Bud” Thomas; her sister, Shirley Warner; and her beloved Irish Setter, Rusty.

Mary’s survivors include her son, Brian A. Yates of Mechanicsburg; her two daughters: Patricia “Pat” E. Viehman and her husband, Stephen, of Mechanicsburg; Kathy A. Yates of Mechanicsburg; her six grandchildren: Ashley Betlock, Katie Dougherty, Patrick Dougherty, Devon Beikian and her husband, Edward, Kelly Dougherty, Alec Viehman; and her beloved nieces and nephews.

Mary graduated from Irvington High School in New Jersey as part of the class of 1947.  She was a longtime member of St. Joseph Catholic Church in Mechanicsburg, where she was involved in the Leisure Club.  Mary was a member of the Lemoyne Senior Center and the Red Hat Society.  She was an active volunteer with Meals on Wheels, bowled in a league and was a member of numerous card clubs.  Mary was very social and had many friends.  She enjoyed going to the movies, flowers and gardening, crossword puzzles and playing cards, most especially Pinochle.  She had a big heart and loved dogs.  More than anything, Mary loved her family and cherished time spent with her grandchildren.  Christmas was her favorite holiday because she loved getting together with her family and having celebrations.  Mary will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved her.

All are welcome to join Mary’s family at her gathering of family and friends on Monday, February 27, 2023, beginning at 10:00 a.m. and her Mass of Christian Burial beginning at 10:30 a.m., all at St. Joseph Catholic Church, 410 East Simpson Street, Mechanicsburg, PA 17055; with The Reverend Thomas J. Rozman celebrating.  Mary’s family invites everyone to join them for a time of food and fellowship at Buhrig’s Gathering Place (next to the funeral home) immediately following the Mass.  Interment will follow the reception in Gate of Heaven Cemetery in Mechanicsburg.  Honored to be urnbearer is Brian Yates.  Cremation was private.

Contributions in celebration of Mary’s life can be made to All 4 Paws Rescue, 2459 Yellow Springs Road, Malvern, PA 19355, www.all4pawsrescue.com/support; House with a Heart Senior Pet Sanctuary, 6409 Stream Valley Way, Gaithersburg, MD 20882, www.housewithaheart.com; or American Heart Association, P.O. Box 15120, Chicago, IL 60693, www.Heart.org/Donate.

Mary’s family has entrusted her care to Buhrig Funeral Home & Crematory in Mechanicsburg, (717) 766-3421.  Read Mary’s full obituary, view her portrait, offer condolences and sympathy, share stories and memories, upload photographs and videos, light a candle and sign her official guest book by visiting Buhrig.com.