Mary Jane (Innocent) Kreider

Mary Jane Kreider, 87, of Hershey, longtime resident of Lebanon, passed away April 13, 2017 at Country Meadows of Hershey Retirement Community where she lived for over six years. She was the loving wife of the late Richard H. Kreider (1985), upon his death they had been married 35 years.

Born May 15, 1929, in Lebanon, she was the daughter of the late Louis and Mary (Ogurchak) Innocent.

Mary Jane enjoyed her married life with Dick as they raised their family and was actively involved in her children’s school and club activities. Family remained the focal point of her life as she delighted in the role of “Grammy” to nine grandchildren. She passionately welcomed every opportunity to create special memories with each of them.

Mary Jane was a graduate from South Lebanon High School, class of 1947. She was very active with the Gardenia Sunday School Class at Tabor United Church of Christ in Lebanon and served as a volunteer for many community services. Mary Jane enjoyed gathering together friends and family: organizing school and family reunions, scheduling lunches with her grade school friends and siblings, and enthusiastically planning parties.

Later in life, Mary Jane remained active by line dancing, exercising, and taking trips with her friends. Moving to Country Meadows of Hershey in 2011 enriched her life by the addition of many friendships with other residents and co-workers. Her favorite activities included games, painting, crafts, music, and country rides.

Her family is grateful for the wonderful care, love, and support given to Mary Jane, which were the very best they could be given her growing limitations and challenges. A very special heartfelt appreciation for the truly remarkable co-workers of the Connections Neighborhood where she most recently resided. In spite of her declining physical and mental abilities they made it possible for her to continue her love of dance and express her unique sense of humor. Our hearts are filled with gratitude for the staff of Country Meadows as well as her special friends from Home Instead-Harrisburg. A special thank you to the compassionate team from Grane Hospice for fulfilling her life with dignity. All of these people in Mary Jane’s life brightened each and every day and enabled her to live life in spite of her devastating disease.

Her survivors include four children, Rob Kreider (Alice), Annville, and their children, Reed (Amara) and Kendall, Steve Kreider (Chris), Bethlehem, and their children, Devon, Kelsey, Blake, and Luke, Kathy Cox (Ed), Muhlenberg Township, and their daughter, Rachel, Mary Ann White (John), Camp Hill, and their children, Jenna, and Zachary; sister, Virginia Dunlap, brothers, Carl and Robert Innocent.
Preceded in death by one brother, Louie, and sisters Irene and Clara.

The family will receive friends Monday, April 17, 2017, starting at 11:00 a.m. at Rothermel-Finkenbinder Funeral Home & Crematory, Inc., 25 W. Pine St., Palmyra, PA 17078, with the Celebration of Life Services at 12:00 p.m. (noon). Interment to follow in Mt. Lebanon Cemetery, Lebanon.

In lieu of flowers memorial contributions in her name may be made to the Michael J. Fox Foundation For Parkinson’s Research at www.michaeljfox.org/get-involved/donation2.php.

Rothermel Funeral Home, Palmyra, www.finkenbinderfamily.com and Huff & Lakjer Funeral Home, Lansdale, are handling arrangements. www.huffandlakjer.com

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