CUMBERLAND – Mary Ellen Courtney died November 29, 2023 at the age of 98.

Growing up in Cumberland, she attended Penn Avenue Elementary where she was a Spelling Bee champion and made friends she would keep for a lifetime. She had a great alto voice which she developed singing in the choir at Grace Methodist Church.

She was a 1943 graduate of Fort Hill High School and was instrumental in the creation of the unique Club 43 which held many fun activities and contributed to the projects at the school. She was an avid Fort Hill fan missing only one Thanksgiving game in 52 years when her son was born.

As a young mother she devoted herself to her children's activities serving as Cub Scout den mother and dance mother. She was active in the PTA and established the first library at Johnson Heights School.

After the death of her beloved husband, James V. Courtney (a WWII veteran) in 1958, she went on to raise her children alone.

She started a new chapter in her life working as a dental assistance and office manager for Dr. Robert Hager. She retired from Memorial Hospital as medical librarian. Some of us thought she had missed her calling as an interior decorator.

Mary was fun-loving and had an amazing memory. She shared her experiences, including life during WWII, with her children and grandchildren so that they would appreciate the past.

She was predeceased by her parents, Mildred (Hough) Payne and Riley Payne, Sr.; her brother, Riley Payne, Jr.; and many dear friends and family members.

She is survived by her children, Craig Courtney, who was her primary caregiver, Chrystal Michaels and husband Tim; her much-loved granddaughters, Jennifer Spencer and husband Will, Laura Courtney, Kelly Courtney and companion Tim Patrick; great-grandsons, Jack and Sam Spencer; and Jeanne Weimer Courtney, who Mary thought of as a daughter.

The family thanks Shelley, Mary, Chris and Lisa who were so helpful to her.

Funeral services will be private.