Obituary of Mary W. DiRenza

Mary Wolfe Lusignea DiRenza died peacefully on Monday, February 3, 2014. Mary was one of three daughters born to Walter and Clara Wolfe. She is survived by her sister Jane Moore living in Salisbury MD; her sister Nancy passed away 10 years ago. Mary and her husband Richard B. Lusignea (now deceased) had three sons, Richard living in Boston MA, William living in Ambler PA and Mark living in Allentown PA and one daughter Mary Elizabeth (Betsy) who passed away in 2005. Mary had five grandchildren, Lauren, Lindsay, Brian, Kevin and Kyle. Mary was born in Providence, RI on February 1, 1924. She graduated from Cheltenham High School followed by a post graduate year at Abington Friends School. She earned a Bachelor's of Science degree from Skidmore College and remained active in Skidmore's Alumni Association. Mary and her family lived in Philadelphia, Mystic CT, Warwick, RI and Huntingdon Valley, PA. Mary led her young family forward by taking on part-time jobs including substitute teaching, and supported her children's various activities. Mary was active with Abington Presbyterian church where she taught a Special Needs Sunday school class for many years. Mary met and married Joe DiRenza in 1978. With Joe, Mary renewed her interests in golf becoming a member of the women's golf team at Torresdale Frankford CC where she was a 3 time women's champion. Joe and Mary began an interest in worldwide travel. She also began a Girl Scout Troop for Betsy and other residents of the Melmark Home in Berwyn PA. After 20 years of marriage, Joe passed away. Once again, determined to land on her feet, Mary turned to her past high school friendships. At a Cheltenham Class Reunion, Mary renewed her friendship with Bob Hunter who she had known since elementary school. They soon began a relationship that included travel, golf, and daily enjoyment of each other's lives. Their relationship continued until Mary moved to Arden Courts and Bob passed away several years ago. Throughout Mary's life she was an active volunteer with Holy Redeemer Hospital, Huntingdon Valley Women's Club, Christian Women's Club, Huntingdon Valley Garden Club and Philadelphia Women's Golf Association. Mary was skillful with knitting, sewing, weaving, and needlepoint and played the piano and had a lifelong interest in music. Mary's loving personality was always evident though her bright eyes and eternal smile. Memorial service will be held a 1:00 PM on Saturday, March 8, 2014, Abington Presbyterian Church, 1082 Old York Road, Abington. Friends will be received after the service. Interment will be private. The family has requested that memorial gifts be sent to Melmark Home, Attn: Advancement Office, 2600 Wayland Road, Berwyn, PA 19312.