Mary (Wabesz) Brumbaugh was born March 10, 1921 in Ambler, PA and the youngest of six children.
She was a natural beauty, devoted to her husband of 68 years who she met in high school. First came love. Then came marriage. Then came WWII. Most GI war brides wouldn’t have traded it for the world, NOT Mary! She would have marched on Washington DC if her beloved George was deployed to the Pacific after his service ended in Europe.
For most of her life she was a stay at home mother and devoted to her family. She raised her children Janet, Kathleen, George, Jr. and Ronald, while George’s career had him away from the home quite often. Motherhood, staying involved in Church and school projects were her full time jobs. As her children became older, she became an avid bowler. Participating in multiple leagues, she acquired dozens of trophies. She collected Hummel figurines, believed if you were going to receive jewelry is should be diamonds and advised her grandchildren to “never get old.” Most of her grandchildren believed, at one point, their names started with an “O”. Anytime they acted foolish, which was often. She would say O’ Sharon, O’ Geoffrey, O’ Danny, O’ Chris.
After living in Pennsylvania for most of her life, she moved to California in 1976, before relocating to Port Orange in 1987 in order to be closer to her daughter Janet, who has been her primary caregiver for the last several years.
Through the years Mary traveled with her husband and children. On top of her extensive travel in the US, she visited Europe, Asia, Australia, Hawaii, and lived in South Africa for three months while her husband worked there. She has been on untold numbers of cruises through the years and loved slots machines.
She had an infectious laugh, beautiful smile, was the slowest eater, and had an ice cold stare that told the recipient instantly of her displeasure in what they were doing. We will all cherish the memories that will live with us forever and will miss her dearly.
She is survived by; daughters, Janet M, Welshans-Thomas (John), Port Orange; Kathleen L. Stephenson (Ronald), Clifton, VA; sons, George E. Brumbaugh, Jr. (Kathleen), Clinton TWP, MI and Ronald Brumbaugh (Judith), Orlando; sister, Stella Knipe, Lansdale, PA, nine grandchildren and four great grandchildren, a great-great grandson and many nieces and nephews.
The family will receive friends Tuesday 5-7 p.m. at Volusia Memorial Funeral Home 4815 Clyde Morris Blvd, Port Orange. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated 11:00 a.m. Wednesday at Epiphany Catholic Church 201 Lafayette St. Port Orange.
In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Alzheimer's Association 1506 Lake Highland Dr. Orlando, FL 32803
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