Mary V. Mills

Mary Virginia Mills, 96, died December 4, 2009 at 7:05 p.m. in her Laureldale residence.

Her husband, Lloyd C. Mills, died May 3, 2008. In April of 2008 they had celebrated their 76th anniversary.

Born on September 23, 1913 in Williamsport, MD, she was a daughter of the late Norman B. and Pearl E. (Anderson) Sterling.

Mary retired in 1977 as the manager of Windsor Card Shop, Reading, prior to that she worked in the cafeteria for Muhlenberg School District and before that as a seamstress for the Wide Awake Shirt Factory, Reading.

She was a member of Calvary Lutheran Church, Laureldale, where she was a volunteer for many of their fund raising projects including the rummage sale.

Mary was a member for over 50 years of the Muhlenberg Woman's Club. She also volunteered at the Berks County Heritage Center.

She was a devoted mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. She was famous for her cookies and iced tea. She enjoyed playing Yahtzee, gardening, sewing, fishing in Canada on Lake Opinicon with her family and traveling around the United States, especially the National Parks; she and Lloyd once spent three months camping in Alaska.

Mary is survived by a daughter, Donna M. (Mills) wife of William H. Sweigart of Laureldale and two sons; Christie L. husband of Barbara (Seidel) Mills of Laureldale and William G. husband of Sandra (Mearig) Mills of Blandon. Her sister, Betty Burger, Hagerstown, MD, also survives her.

There are also six grandchildren; Cathy, wife of Robert Wegener of Fleetwood, Jonathan, husband of Judy Mills of Orlando, Florida, Susan Kasopsky of Reading, Jeffrey, husband of Cheryl Sweigart of Orefield, Lehigh County, Lisa Mills of Madison, WI; and Michelle, wife of Marc Geddio of Shillington.

Thirteen great grandchildren also survive her.

She will be dearly missed.

Mary was predeceased by 3 brothers and four sisters.

Services will be Thursday at 12:30 p.m. in Calvary Lutheran Church, 1009 Elizabeth Ave., Laureldale, PA 19605, with both the Rev. James C. Covert and the Rev. Grant A. Wickert officiating. A viewing will be held from 11 am until time of services in the church. Burial will be in Laureldale Cemetery, Muhlenberg Township.

In lieu of flowers contributions may be made to the church at the above address or Pinnacle Health Hospice, 301 One Norwegian Plaza, Pottsville, PA 17901.

Walter R. Christ Funeral Home, Inc., Laureldale is in charge of arrangements. For online condolences, visit www.christfuneralhome.com