Mary Brubaker Reynolds

Mary Brubaker Reynolds of Lancaster passed away Wednesday, January 30, 2013 at the Brethren Village; she was 95 years young! Born in Lancaster, she was the daughter of the late Sem S. and Bertha Engle Brubaker. Mary was married to the late Robert "Bobby" Reynolds for nearly 60 years. She attended West Junior High, Stevens School and the Berté School of Fashion in Philadelphia. Mary was a lifelong member of St. James Episcopal Church, a sustaining member of the Junior League, a former member of the Lancaster Country Club and at the time of her death, the longest tenured member of The Hamilton Club. She volunteered her time and talents to innumerable organizations and will be remembered for her generous spirit and wonderful sense of humor. Mary believed in keeping her brain sharp right ‘til the end. In addition to taking her son Josh’s brain pill, she was an avid bridge player and cryptogram puzzle-solver. Mary was also an accomplished golfer, winning the prestigious LCC President’s Cup on more than one occasion. Mary was a gourmet cook who loved to entertain. She was famous for her date-nut pudding and paper-thin sand tarts that were her signature Christmas cookie. She prepared meals months in advance for the family’s annual July 4 reunion. Mary was a talented seamstress who made most of her clothing as a young girl, including her wedding dress and even bathing suits. Mary had a flair for fashion and antiques, to which her wardrobe and home of over 60 years stand witness. She was an artist, crafting wooden Santa Claus figures and pillow cases from antique lace. Mary was a true sports enthusiast. In her youth she performed diving expositions at Mt. Gretna with her beloved twin sister, Martha. She followed the stats in the daily paper and watched every televised game of her favorite Phillies, Flyers and Eagles. She lived for the March Madness college basketball championships, for which she will now enjoy a VIP front seat. She is survived by her three children: George N. “Josh” Reynolds, husband of Barbara Nolan, Laguna Beach, CA; Martha Reynolds Venter, New Haven, CT; and R. Bradford Reynolds, husband of Nan Mathers, Lititz; seven grandchildren: Mary Caroline Reynolds Marshall; B. Chase Reynolds; Mary “Molly” Venter; Christina Reynolds; Josiah Venter; Myriah Reynolds; and Jonah Reynolds; four great-grandchildren: Scotland and Jack Reynolds, Ford and Tate Marshall; and dozens of nieces and nephews. “Maw-Maw,” as she was affectionately called, in addition to her husband, she was predeceased by her parents, and her eight brothers and sisters. Her family wishes to thank the Brethren Village caretakers for all their compassion and love during her eight-month stay. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend a Celebration of Life Memorial Service at 11:00 a.m. Monday, February 4, 2013 at St. James Episcopal Church, 119 N. Duke Street, Lancaster, with The Reverend Barbara Seras and The Reverend Edward O. Miller officiating. The family will receive friends at the Church on Monday from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service. Interment will be in St. James Memorial Garden. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in Mary’s name to St. James Episcopal Church, Anchorage Program, 119 N. Duke Street, Lancaster, PA 17603, or to The Boys and Girls Club of Lancaster, P.O. Box 104, Lancaster, PA 17608.

Mary Brubaker Reynolds

February 1, 2013