Marie L. Nonnemaker

Marie Mercill Leety Nonnemaker, 91, passed away on Wednesday, August 1, 2012, just 21 days shy of her 92nd birthday. She was a resident of the Highlands at Wyomissing when she lost her battle with lung cancer.

Marie graduated in 1938 from Shaler High School in Glenshaw, Pennsylvania., She went on to secure her R.N. from Carnegie Melon Technical Institute's West Penn Hospital School of Nursing in 1941, returning to college to earn her bachelor's degree in Public Health Education from West Chester State College in 1974.

Marie loved working with the babies as Charge Nurse in the large nursery at West Penn Hospital in Pittsburgh. Her nursing skills brought her positions at St. Luke's Hospital in Bethlehem, Bethlehem Steel, Broomall Nursing Home, Cheyney State College, and she served as Director of Nurses and Administrator at Devon Manor Nursing Home in Devon, Pennsylvania.Marie was Executive Director for Delaware County Meals on Wheels in the late 1970's. She was also a Red Cross volunteer and an exceptionally happy and dedicated nurse in all of her work, retiring in 1985.

Marie spent most of her adult life in Newtown Square, Pennsylvania, moving to Berks County after retirement to be closer to her children. She was active with the Newtown Square Women's Club, The Girl Scouts of Delaware County, and participated with the United Way, American Cancer Society, and March of Dimes as a volunteer. She was a member of the Manoa United Presbyterian Church and a charter member of the Newtown Square Presbyterian Church. She loved her children from the depths of her heart. She always fought for what she believed to be right.

Born on August 22, 1920, Marie was the oldest child of the late Gladys Marie MercillLeety and Earl M. Leety of Glenshaw, Pennsylvania. She was predeceased by both parents as well as her younger brother, Robert, who died serving as a fighter pilot squadron leader in WWII. Surviving are her brother, Charles (wife Jean)Leety of Sandy Hook, Connecticut, and younger sister Sarah Leety (husband Bill) Hunter of Cleveland, Ohio, and a large contingent of nieces, nephews and cousins.

In addition, Marie is survived by her daughters, Cheryl Ann Nonnemacher of Mohrsville, Pennsylvania, and Karen Nonnemacher (husband Dan) Mills, of Hamburg, Pennsylvania; granddaughter, Varta Hinkel of Kutztown, Pennsylvania, grandsons Bryan P. Mills (wife Emily)of Phoenixville, Pennsylvania, David A. Mills of Somerville, Massachusetts, and 4 great-grandchildren: Nicholas, Josh, Zack and Kaily;

She will be remembered for her love of her family, enjoyingnature, beautiful flower gardens, and the joy she found during her seaside vacations to her beloved Avalon, New Jersey. She had an incredibly strong spirit that defied the frailness of her body during her fight against cancer.She was known for her constant cheerfulness despite the hardships of her illness.Marie's genuine acts of compassion and love will be missed by her family.

A Celebration of Life will be held at 2 p.m. on Sat., August 4, at the Highlands of Wyomissing, 1st floor Parlor.Condolences may be left at Edward J. Kuhn Funeral Home, Inc., West Reading www.kuhnfuneralhome.com. The family welcomes donations to Lutheran Home Care & Hospice 1030 Reed Ave, Suite 102, Wyomissing 19610 or The American Cancer Society, Berks Unit, Reading, PA 438 East Bellevue Ave. Reading, PA 19605.