Obituary of Mary Q. Truesdale
Mary Park Truesdale 89, Sycamore Drive, Athens Township, joined Heaven's choir of angels in the early morning hours of May 13, 2019 at the Sayre Health Care Center surrounded by her family, after a long period of declining health.
Born Mary Frances Quick on August 19, 1929 at the Robert Packer Hospital in Sayre, Mary was one of four children born to Charles A. and Neva A. Bender Quick of Nichols, NY. Growing up in difficult times during the Depression, Mary learned from an early age the pillars of her life's values: determination, hard work and family.
Mary graduated from Nichol's High School in 1947. A born entertainer Mary sang with the "Curly Tops" in her youth. She studied music in Binghamton, NY after graduation, and has been a soloist throughout the New York-Pennsylvania area.
Mary began her first post high school employment at the Robert Packer Hospital in 1948 where she worked in the admissions department. She left that position in 1951 to be home to raise her growing family which eventually numbered five children
In 1967, Mary returned to the work force and once again was employed at the Robert Packer Hospital as Benefits Coordinator in the Human Resources Department. She worked in this position until 1975 when she was named Director of Volunteer Services.
As Director of Volunteer Services Mary shone. She developed award winning programs for both adult and junior volunteers and guided and directed over 2,000 high school students through the Junior Volunteer program (originally the Candy Stripers) and many, many more adult volunteers, during her seventeen years in that position.
Mary directed the Robert Packer Hospital School of Nursing chorus for sixteen years. The annual concerts of the chorus were musical events to behold and very successful. Mary developed a great rapport with the students and her home became a "home-away-from-home" a place to bake cookies, enjoy a visit, and get advice.
Another highlight of Mary's career at Robert Packer Hospital was directing the "RPH Circus". The circus was an annual event put on by the hospital staff in the 1940s and in honor of the 100th anniversary of the Robert Packer Hospital in 1985 the circus was brought back with the very capable Mary Truesdale as director. The circus was very eventful and kept a full house audience at the Waverly High School Auditorium mesmerized for several hours. Mary directed the circus again in 1987 and returned in her retirement years to direct another circus in 2010 to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the Guthrie Clinic.
Professionally Mary was very active in the Bradford County International Management Council, where she was responsible for expanding the chapter's Youth and Industry Program. She was involved in bringing Dr. Norman Vincent Peale to the Valley to speak for the I.M.C. Chapter. Mary was awarded the Bradford County Chapter's first "Manager of the Year" award which was the highest honor the chapter could bestow upon a member each year.
Mary held memberships in the American Hospital Association, the Robert Packer Hospital Auxiliary, the American Society of Directors of Volunteer services, Points of Life Foundation where she served on a committee with Mrs. Barbara Bush, and the Multiple Sclerosis Society.
Mary was a member of the Valley Presbyterian Church in Waverly, NY.
On October 2, 1970 Mary married L. Grant Truesdale. Mary and Grant had a partnership that was amazing. Grant a very quiet soft spoken man became Mary's rock and was there for her throughout the life challenges she encountered after being diagnosed with M.S. in the 1970s. Mary in turn was there for Grant when he was diagnosed with dementia and with the help of her family was able to keep Grant at home for the duration of his illness, Grant passed October 30, 2014.
Mary was a former Choir director and Soloist in the Sayre Presbyterian Church, the Sayre Methodist Church and the Church of the Redeemer. She was also a member and director of the Valley Chorus in the early years of that group.
Mary was predeceased by her parents, her beloved husband Grant, her youngest son Michael (Mick) Park, grandson Jonathan Q. Park, son-in-law R. James Trettel, step-son Kenneth Truesdale, her siblings brothers William (Bill) Quick, Charles J. Quick and sister Elizabeth A. McCrory and her husband J. B. McCrory "Jack", a special nephew Charles H. Quick "Charlie".
Mary is survived by a very special family who helped her stay in her own home with "Labors of Love" Sons Robert (Bob) H. Park (Kay and Family) Sayre, PA, William (Bill) D. Park (Daisy and Family) Sheshequin, PA, James(Jim) A. Park (Terry and Family) West Olive, Mich., Son Michael's family, Grant M. Park (Mo and Family) and Sgt. James W. Park in the U. S. Army. Daughter Gayle Trettel and family Pasadena, MD. Also survived by daughter-in-law Claudia O. Park and family. Sister-in-law Beverly Quick. Stepsons David, Tom, Jeffrey, and Jon Truesdale and their families. 15 grandchildren, 33 Great grandchildren, 5 Great Great Grandchildren, 10 step grandchildren, many nieces and nephews and many friends whose lives have been touched by the love, interest and personality of Mary Truesdale.
Family and friends may call on Monday, May 20, 2019 from 10am-12pm at the Valley United Presbyterian Church, 459 Park Avenue, Waverly, NY. A Celebration of Life Service will follow at 12pm at the church with the Rev. Sharan Knoell officiating.
The family will provide the flowers and ask that memorial donations in Mary's name be made to the: Valley United Presbyterian Church, 459 Park Avenue, Waverly, NY.
