Hope Dankel Kent

Hope Dankel Kent of Lancaster passed away peacefully on December 4, 2023 at The Homestead Village. She was 94 years old. Until recently, Hope led an active, independent life, enjoying the company of her friends and family. Always outgoing and friendly, Hope made an indelible impression on everyone she met. She was the wife of the late George Marshall Kent, M.D., and moved to Lancaster with Dr. Kent, an orthopedic surgeon, when he established his private practice in Lancaster in 1959. Born in Topton, Berks County, PA on October 13, 1929, Hope attended and graduated from Saint Mary’s Episcopal Preparatory School in Peekskill, NY. She then entered and graduated from Temple University in Philadelphia, PA, where she earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Early Childhood Education. It was at Temple that she met Dr. Kent, who graduated from Temple’s Medical School. After celebrating their marriage in Concord, MA, the young couple lived in Montclair, NJ and Boston, MA (during Dr. Kent’s internship and residency), as well as San Antonio, TX and Columbia, SC (during Dr. Kent’s service as a Captain in the United States Army Medical Corp.). Hope thoroughly enjoyed serving as a Kindergarten teacher in their early professional years. During her many years in Lancaster, Hope was active in the Lancaster community, and devoted her time and energy to many charitable endeavors. She was an active member of The American Association of University Women, The Womens Medical Alliance, The Visiting Nurses Association and The Iris Club. She also enjoyed actively participating in the Lancaster Public Library Book Drive. Having learned to play the piano and sing at an early age, she often volunteered her time to play the piano and sing at holiday gatherings for residents of retirement homes in the Lancaster area. Both Hope and Dr. Kent regularly supported and attended the Lancaster Symphony Orchestra, and were active volunteers and program coordinators for The Lancaster Cliosophic Society. They were also long-time members of The Hamilton Club. Faith held a central place in Hope’s heart. She was a member of The First Presbyterian Church of Lancaster, where she served as a Deacon and later participated in a parish widows support group. Hope is survived by her son, G. Marshall Kent, Jr. (and his wife Mary) of Atlanta, Georgia, and her daughter Abigail Kent Flythe (and her husband Jamie) of Spotsylvania, VA. She is also survived by her grandchildren Margaret Kent Armstrong of Charleston, SC, Katherine Kent Lee of Atlanta, Georgia and Anne Day Flythe of Spotsylvania, VA. A Memorial Service will be held for Family and Friends at First Presbyterian Church, 140 E. Orange Street, Lancaster, PA 17603 n Thursday, June 20, 2024 at 11:00 a.m. with Pastor Dan Sanyder officiating The family will receive friends from 10:15 a.m. until the time of service. Memorial contributions in Hope’s name may be made to First Presbyterian Church and/or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.