Mary Baer

Mary Elizabeth (Martin) Baer, age 103, passed from this life on Saturday, April 13, at the Brookview Health Care Center to join her loving husband and many friends to spend eternity in the presence of her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

Mary was born on May 10, 1920 as the middle daughter to Jacob and Minnie Martin. She grew up and went to school near Orrstown Pa. She worked as a young lady in Shippensburg until she met and married the love of her life, Leonard Baer, and move to his home town in Maugansville, Md. They then moved to a farm near Marion, Pa. where they raised their family. She and her husband moved to Chambersburg in 1964 and spent the rest of her life in homes in Chambersburg. Mary and her husband made many friends everywhere she went. They were very instrumental in starting the Cedar Street Mennonite Church in the 1950's where she remained a member until her death. Their home was always open to anyone needing a listening ear, meal, or help during a difficult time. Mary hosted numerous young ladies who came to Chambersburg to attend the LPN training program in the 60's and 70's. When her family was grown Mary became employed in the early years of Menno Haven, first as Matron and hospitality "queen" and then went on to obtain her degree as a certified dietitian and was dietary supervisor until her retirement in 1985.

Mary was well known for her fine needlework and quilting. She made many fine quilts for her family as well as benefit auctions for Menno Haven and Shalom Christian Academy. She quilted dozens of quilts for the Amish quilt shops in Lancaster County. Her hands were never still and her creative talents were always on display. When her beloved husband died in 1994 Mary bravely carried on and lived her life to the fullest.

She is survived by three children, Charlotte Martin, Darrell Baer (wife Sharon), and Lynette Miller (husband Dennis); nine grandchildren; 27 great grandchildren; seven great-great grandchildren; her sister-in-law, Thelma Martin; and numerous nieces and nephews. Aside from her parents and husband, Mary was preceded in death by four siblings, Paul C. Martin, Luella Shank, Martha Witmer, and David H. Martin; and her son-in-law, Harold Martin. She held a special place in her family for Richard and Judy Shank and the late Betty Martin.

Funeral services will be held at 1:00 PM on Friday, April 19, 2024 at Marion Mennonite Church, 4365 Molly Pitcher Highway, Chambersburg, PA 17202. Rev. Mike Shank and Rev. Isaac Burkholder will officiate. Interment will be in Marion Mennonite Church Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 5:00 – 8:00 PM on Thursday evening at the Thomas L. Geisel Funeral Home, 333 Falling Spring Road, Chambersburg, PA 17202. Memorial contributions may be made to the Menno Haven Benevolent Fund. Condolences and memories may be shared at geiselfuneralhome.com.