July 11, 2025 our Angel passed on to a better life. Mary Elizabeth Lord was born on May 10, 1986 at Charles Cole Memorial Hospital in Coudersport, PA. She was the daughter of the late William Edward Lord and is survived by her mother, Patricia Young Lord.  She is of Christian faith. Mary’s dearest relative is Uncle Robert (Sharon) Young, and Uncle John Young.  Cousins:  Corrie Young Wells (John) and beautiful Ashley Wells; Jay & Bobby (Liz) Young. Mary had several foster siblings. She was closest to Winnie (she thought of her as a daughter), Belinda, and Jason.  Gabriela, her exchange student from Brazil was a daughter to her, too. Juanma, a young man from Argentina, visited with our family during his year in the states. Her heart had a special place for him. Mary’s cherished fur babies, Chloe and Abbey, were a central part of her life.

      Mary attended Smethport Area School District until finishing her Junior year of high school. Mary then went to Paris, France through the Rotary Exchange Student Program.  Upon returning to the USA she attended the Mars Area School District, Mars, PA. The Mars School District permitted her to graduate in a half year by also attending BC3.

Mary attended LaRoche College for her undergraduate studies and degree. She attended the University of Pittsburgh and received her Master Degree in the GSPIA Program.

Mary was employed by Rupp/Fiore Insurance Agency.  She also worked at the Mars Foodland for Donna Miller. Mary loved Donna so—she always referred to Donna as “Grumpy”.

     Mary was a volunteer her whole life. As a child and teen she helped at the McKean County Fair and Norwich Volunteer Fire Department. She traveled to fairs with Jean Ann Dean tending to cattle, pigs, and sheep. She also traveled with Ron and June Arner helping with concessions.     Mary was passionate about service. Her dedication to Rotary is felt around the world. She was the President of the Rich-Mar Rotary Club. Fellow Rotarians, Beth and Michelle, became an integral part of her life with their overwhelming support and friendship. She was the lead for the Inbound Youth Exchange Program in our district #7280.  Mary supported our local community by helping at Mars Applefest, Mars Home for Youth, PARC Picnic and Night at the Races.

     One more note. Mary is the world’s biggest baseball fan. Growing up in northern Pennsylvania we did not have access to the Pittsburgh Pirates. Our baseball was TBS- “The Atlanta Braves”. Chipper Jones was her favorite player. Mary knew more about baseball than many people.  Mary was at Bradenton, FL watching the Pirates at spring training.   Because of her knowledge of baseball she was asked if she was a scout!  Mary has gone to all the major league fields but seven.

    Mary has many great friends who have been through her cancer journey with her. Our house has a revolving door, friends coming and going every day. We can never thank them enough. To honor Mary, in lieu of flowers please send contributions to:

Patty Meehan, District 7280 Treasuerer 171 Woods Road Greenville, PA. 16125 (Memo line:  Rotary District 7280 Youth Exchange) or you can send money through Venmo to:  MaryLordDonationFund which (Also goes to the Youth Exchange Program)

A Celebration of Mary’s Life will be held on Saturday July 19,2025 at 11:00 A.M.  at the Mars United Presbyterian Church.  Arrangements are under the direction of the McDonald-Aeberli Funeral Home Inc. 238 Crowe Ave. Mars,PA 16046 and condolences are available at www.mcdonald-aeberli.com