Mary V. Barden

Mary V. Barden, 99, of Philadelphia, died October 29, 2011 in Cathedral Village, Philadelphia.

She was the widow of Dr. Robert Barden. Her first husband, Richard J. Westcott, passed away in 1968.

Born in Philadelphia, she was a daughter of the late Dr. Nicholas P. and Mary (Dailey) Vlachos.

Mary was a graduate of Swarthmore High School and attended Swarthmore College.

She was an author of historical novels. Mary authored her first novel "Border Lord" under pen name of Jan Westcott. The novel was published by Crown in 1947 and was on the New York Times best seller list.

Mary was a member of Presbyterian Church of Chestnut Hill.

She is survived by her two sons: Dr. Richard J., husband of Mary Westcott, Reading and Judge Michael W., husband of Dawn Westcott, Damariscotta, ME and her four step-daughters: Bonnie Barden, Philadelphia; Heather Koelle, Wallingford; Carolyn Wall, Durham, NC and Theresa Archer, NC. Also surviving are her fourteen grandchildren and fifteen great-grandchildren.

A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday November 12th at 11:00 a.m. on the campus of Cathedral Village, Philadelphia. Burial will be in Colestown Cemetery, Cherry Hill. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Free Library Philadelphia Foundation, 1901 Vine St., Room 111, Philadelphia, PA 19103. Edward J. Kuhn Funeral Home, Inc., West Reading is in charge of arrangements. Online condolences may be recorded at www.kuhnfuneralhome.com.