Mary Margaret Raabe, 90, of Butler, passed peacefully from her earthly home into the loving arms of her hubby Jim, after 6 months of failing health.
Mary was born in Corsica, PA on September 17, 1931, to the late John M. and Bessie Simpson Hindman. She was the youngest of seven children, and is survived by sisters, Maxine, and Doris.
Mary retired from Butler Area School Transportation Department. She was active in her church, Faith U. P. Church, where she served faithfully in numerous positions.
Mary’s voice was a gift, that many, over the years were blessed to hear. Her favorite solos were “In the Garden”, “The Lord’s Prayer”, and “Amazing Grace”.
Retirement found Mary enjoying volunteering at Butler Memorial Hospital in the Cherry Tree Gift Shop, Christian Women’s Club, and playing cards with friends, which she did for over 40 years.
“Sisters Weekends” found her gathered with all of her sisters, and sister-in-laws for a weekend of “Bunco”, stories, lots of food, and homemade goodies. These special times were filled with laughter, tears, and a lifetime of memories.
Mary’s proudest accomplishment was her family and her home, that she and her late husband, Jim, built in 1951.
She enjoyed decorating her home for the holidays and working tirelessly in her numerous gardens, that showcased her “green thumbs”.
She spoiled her family and friends with her homemade pies, apple dumplings, chocolate chip cookies, and her famous “potato soup”, and ham balls. Her recipes will live on, but that special touch “made with love” will be missed.
Her grandchildren of all ages will remember the “cookie baking days” and making candy with “Memaw”, and planting “posies”.
She is survived by her daughters, Susan J. McGary and Mary Kay (Tim) Greenawalt, and a son, James (Terri) Raabe. Grandchildren who survive her “BJ”, Chris (Jodi), Timothy, John, Marki (James), Dustin, and Kayla. Nine great grandchildren include: Morgan, Madison (Tyler), Makenna, Mackenzie, Laney, Emma, Ryan, Memphis, and Brooklyn; two great-great grandchildren, Paisleigh, and Jaxson. Her sisters, Maxine and Doris survive her along with sister-in-law, Jeanne, and son-in-law, Mark; and numerous nieces and nephews also survive her.
Mary was preceded in death by her husband of 45 years, Jim; daughter, Kathy; sisters, Patty and Jane; brothers, Wayne, and John; granddaughter, Allie; son-in-law, “Butch”; three nieces and three nephews.
The family would like to express gratitude to Mary’s Special Angels, her Grane Hospice Team – Kelly, Neil, Cheryl, and Sara for their kindness and care to Mary during her final journey, and to Lowrie Place – Tracy, “Stormy”, and Staff.
A special thank you to cousin, Lucia for her never ending support, guidance and love shown to Mary and her family.
Per her wishes, there will be no public visitation and funeral services will be private.
Private burial will take place at Butler County Memorial Park.
Arrangements were entrusted to Thompson-Miller Funeral Home, Inc, 124 East North Street, Butler PA 16001.
Online condolences may be made at www.thompson-miller.com.