Mary Rinehardt Peterson

Mary (Rinehardt) Peterson passed away peacefully in her sleep on Wednesday evening August 10th at Homeland Center in Harrisburg, PA. September 13th would have been her 94th birthday, and all of her friends and family will remember her fondly when that day arrives.

Mary was born in Washington, PA to Dr. Stacy H. and Mary Ervin Rinehardt. She moved to Hanover as a child where she and her friends were inseparable, especially her best bud, Ruth “Udie” Hall, who remained close even after moving to Manhattan. Her group of friends loved the Jersey shore and traveled there together for many of their younger years.

Arriving in Harrisburg after graduating from Eichelberger High, Mary worked for the Bell Telephone Company before becoming the medical librarian for the Harrisburg Hospital. Starting from scratch, she developed the library into one of the finest in the state, receiving grants and significant recognition along the way.

Throughout her life, Mary carried with her an elegance and an easy laugh that turned strangers into friends. She loved to travel and bring back crafts, toys and ornaments as gifts for her many brothers, sisters, nieces and nephews. As one of the founding members of the Historic Harrisburg Association, Mary and her husband, Hubert, restored a beautiful city home which was often featured in tours. Their home was filled with the many antiques that Mary collected over the years.

Extended family was always important to her, and she was the one among us who, like her mother, corresponded with all of the distant relatives to keep everyone connected. She doted on her nieces and nephews and cherished time spent with her six brothers and sisters.

In addition to her parents, Mary was predeceased by her sisters Jane Alden, Patricia Bender and Frances Spann; her brothers James, Stacy Jr., William and Frederic Rinehardt; her nephews James Alden, Dr. Karl “Chuck” Rinehardt and John Bender and her husband Hubert. She is survived by her sister-in-law Judge Mary Ellen Travers Rinehardt, step-sons Todd (husband of Sharon) and Mark (husband of Mary Anne) Peterson, step-daughter Lori (wife of David) Nedrow and many nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Messiah Lutheran Church, 901 N. 6th St., Hbg, PA 17102 or the Historic Harrisburg Assoc., 1230 N 3rd St, Harrisburg, PA 17102.

A memorial service will be held Saturday, August 20, 2016 at 11:00 a.m. at Messiah Lutheran Church, 901 N. 6th St., Hbg., PA. Burial will be held at Fort Indiantown Gap National Cemetery at 3:00 p.m. on Monday, August 22.