Mary L. Thren

Mary L. Thren, 91, of Blandon, passed away on Saturday, March 26, 2022. Sharing a marriage of 65 years, she was the wife of J. Richard Thren, who passed away on December 15, 2020.

Born in Reading, she was a daughter of the late John and Rose (McGee) Purcell. Mary graduated from Central Catholic High School in 1948. She was employed as a secretary at Rockwell International before she and Dick moved to New Jersey in 1971.

A gourmet cook who loved to entertain, Mary's home was filled with appreciative family and friends on many weekends. Mary and Dick traveled extensively throughout the US, and, in their later lives, spent their winters in Florida. Both she and Dick were deeply involved with the Pennsylvania Junior Miss Pageant for over 30 years; Mary served as a chaperon, becoming a second mother to many of the young ladies who participated in the pageant.

Mary was a member of Holy Guardian Angels Church. Her faith remained important to her always.

Left to treasure her memory are her siblings: Katherine Klick, wife of Lawrence, of Chandler, AZ; Nancy Purcell of San Francisco, CA; and William Purcell of Venice, FL. She is also survived by many nieces, nephews, and dear cousins. There are also several dear friends whose companionship Mary treasured throughout her life.

Mary was predeceased by her brothers, John F. Purcell, and Joseph Purcell; and her sisters, Julia Burke and Mollie Purcell.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at on Wednesday, April 6, 2022 at 11:00 a.m. at Holy Guardian Angels Roman Catholic Church, 3125 Kutztown Rd, Reading, PA 19605, with interment at Gethsemane Mausoleum to follow. Friends and family may gather for visitation before Mass from 9:30 a.m. until 10:30 a.m. at Kuhn Funeral Home and Crematory, Inc, 5153 Kutztown Rd, Temple PA 19560.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in Mary's memory may be made to Mary's Shelter, 615 Kenhorst Blvd, Reading, PA 19611. Condolences may be expressed at kuhnfuneralhomes.com