Mary B. (Barley) Horst

Mary B. Horst, 91, a resident of Londonderry Village, Palmyra and formerly of Hummelstown, passed away peacefully on Thursday, March 23, 2023, following a courageous battle of cancer.

Born February 14, 1932 in Hummelstown, she was the daughter of the late Rev. Alton W. and Mary S. (Strickler) Barley and also preceded in death by her husband William J. Horst, in 1999.

Following her graduation from Hummelstown High School, Mary attended Elizabethtown College, receiving an associates degree in Medical Secretarial Training.  She began her career with Dr. Martz, ophthalmologist, and later worked for Hummelstown family physician Dr. Paul Stoner, Sr.  In 1967, she started a twenty-three year career at the Penn State Hershey Medical Center, as the administrative assistant to the chair in Biological Chemistry.  Following her retirement in 1990, she and her husband of 47 years, Bill, enjoyed extensive traveling to Europe, Australia and New Zealand, and spent numerous winters in their beloved Sanibel Island, Florida.

Mary was extremely active in her retirement, serving as a volunteer in a local elementary school tutoring program, a shared ministry program for children in Harrisburg, Hummelstown Library book sales, Hummelstown Historical Society, and a charter member of the Hummelstown Community Singers.  She also participated in a case study program for first year medical students at Penn State Hershey.

In the last ten years of her life, she was a resident at Londonderry Village in Palmyra, and sincerely appreciated the friendship and kindness shown to her by other residents and staff.  She enjoyed participating in day trips offered there and volunteering during the annual yard sale.  Mary was asked frequently to volunteer in the skilled care section of the facility to assist with recreation and crafts for the residents.

Mary was an extremely devoted member of the United Church of Christ in Hummelstown.  Raised in this church, she served on numerous committees, taught Sunday School, and enjoyed singing in the choir for many years.  Her church family was an essential part of her life.  Mary demonstrated a life of faith to all who knew her.

Mary is survived by her daughter Laurie H. Golden, son-in-law Thomas R. Golden, brother-in-law David Horst, sister-in-law Judy Horst, three cousins, and many friends. 

A memorial service will be held 11:0 AM Saturday, April 1, 2023 at her church, 104 East Main Street, Hummelstown.  The service may be view on the church’s Facebook page.  Private interment will be in Indiantown Gap National Cemetery, Annville.

Memorial contributions may be made to Hummelstown United Church of Christ or the Good Samaritan Fund at Londonderry Village.

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