Age 92, passed peacefully November 11, 2015, at the Masonic Village of Sewickley.  Born February 27, 1923, she was the loving wife of the late William Herman Holthaus with whom she celebrated 70 years of marriage before his passing in November, 2013.  Mary was the daughter of the late Robert B. Neely, Sr. and Elizabeth Campbell Neely.  She was predeceased by her brother, Robert B. Neely Jr.

Mary was a graduate of Peabody High School, then spent her adult years in the North Hills and later in Ben Avon Heights.  She had been a charter member of Christ Lutheran Church in Ross Township, and then a member of St. John’s Evangelical Lutheran Church in Perrysville.  She always put her family first, whether coaching daughter Carol’s softball team, helping to organize daughter Nancy’s senior prom, or supporting the many activities of her daughters and grandchildren.  A great Pirate and Steeler fan, Mary also loved collecting Hummels, sewing, and shopping up and down the East Coast.  Although Mary loved Pittsburgh, she hated winter, and was happy to spend many winters at her condo in Clearwater, FL.

Mary is survived by her daughters Nancy Jean Hrivnak and husband Martin of Harrisburg, PA, and Carol Ann Bickert and husband Glenn of Lake Forest, CA; grandchildren Marta Penman and husband Rick of Carlsbad, CA, Monika Guentert and husband Phil of San Jose, CA, Martin Hrivnak and wife Frances of Washington, DC, and Matthew Hrivnak and wife Amanda of Cranston, RI; six great grandchildren; nephews Robert and Mark Neely and their families; and special family friend, Leland Miller.  As a devoted “mother” to her furry children, she will be happy to be reunited with Blackie, Princess, Laddie, and Honey Bun.  Mary will be greatly missed.

Services at the Neely Funeral Home will be private at the convenience of the family with burial next to her beloved husband in Mount Royal Cemetery.  Her family would like to send a special “Thank you” to the staff at Masonic Village of Sewickley for their excellent care of Mary during the past year.

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