Mary Virginia Kistler

age 90 of Providence Point, formerly of Mt. Lebanon, passed away on July 17, 2024.  Mary was born and raised in Mt. Lebanon.  She graduated from Mt. Lebanon High School in the class of 1951.  It was there that she met her husband of 68 years, Drew.

Mary graduated from Stephens College with an AA degree, then transferred to Syracuse University to complete her education, receiving a BS in speech. She joined Kappa Alpha Theta sorority at Syracuse.

Mary and Drew raised three children.  As a mom, she was always engaged leading Brownie and Girl Scout troops, carpooling for Little League and swim team meets, and being a cheerleader for her children’s activities.  When the children began school, she took on her role as a volunteer with the Junior League and Pittsburgh Opera, where she was chair or co-chair of several Diamond Horseshoe Balls.  Later, she volunteered at St. Clair Hospital for 29 years, pushing wheelchairs in escort service.  She also served on the hospital’s foundation board.

One of Mary’s passions was travel.  She and Drew traveled the world by land and sea, alone and with friends.  Favorite travels included an African safari and touring Israel and Jordan, especially the Petra site. Each trip was always a special event in her life.  She loved gardening and always enjoyed working in her flower gardens, which she planted at her home in Providence Point.

Mary’s very favorite activity was needlepoint.  She loved stitching beautiful pillows, handbags, belts, eyeglass holders, and hundreds of Christmas ornaments for family members and friends.

Mary’s faith was strong. She attended St. Anne Catholic Church in Castle Shannon weekly for more than 55 years. 

Mary leaves behind her twin daughters, Sharon Kistler and Ginger Bean (Stuart), daughter-in-law Jamie Kistler, grandchildren Andrew and Morgan Bean, Douglas and Sarah DeNunzio, and Brittany Dill (Norman) and great-grandsons Aiden and Lucas Dill.  She always felt blessed to live long enough to watch great grandsons grow up.

She was preceded in death by parents William and Virginia Simpson, sister Carol Schoeppner, son William, and spouse, Drew.

A Memorial Mass will be celebrated in the Chapel at Providence Point on Friday, August 2 at 11:00 AM with reception to follow. Contributions in her memory may be made to St. Anne Church, 400 Hoodridge Drive, Pittsburgh, PA 15234.

Laughlin Cremation & Funeral Tributes

www.laughlinfuneralhome.com

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