Mary Louise Harshman

Mary Louise (Shafer) Harshman, 90, passed into eternal life with Jesus on January 2, 2021 at the home of her daughter and son in law in Middletown, MD.

Born December 18, 1930 in Waynesboro PA, she was the daughter of Ralph & Nettie (Kline) Shafer.  She was the beloved wife of Kenneth Ivan Harshman who she married in 1950.  They spent 46 joyful years together till his passing in 1996. Mary Louise spent most of her life nurturing children, beginning with taking in and caring for babies in the foster system. She went on to get her certification to be a pre-school teacher and taught several years at the Calvary United Methodist Church in Frederick. She was also in charge of running the day care program at Tuscarora Racquet Club in Jefferson MD. She was a devoted member of the Frederick Church of the Brethren for over 70 years where she enjoyed teaching Sunday School to the younger children. On December 9, 1980 Mary Louise's son, Kevin Dwayne Harshman passed after a battle with cancer. He was survived by his wife Genia Boyer Smith who remained a cherished daughter in law in her heart. After his death she began a 40 year passion with gardening. Her flower gardens were beautiful and gave her great joy. She went on to work at Mountainside Gardens in Boonsboro Maryland where she enjoyed tending the herb greenhouse. When she was diagnosed with cancer she began working with her daughter in a home gardening business. Together they traveled to Garden shows specializing in miniature gardens, herbs, and unusual plants. Mary Louise loved tending to her gardens up until the time of her passing.

Mary Louise is survived by a daughter and son in law, Tammy and Jerry Marrone, Middletown. Three grandchildren that were the light and pride of her life, whom she spent countless hours loving, teaching, and watching grow. Nicolas Marrone and wife Jenna of Baltimore, Luke Marrone, Baltimore, and Elena Marrone, Buffalo NY. She is also survived by one great granddaughter Riley Louise Marrone of Baltimore.

She was pre deceased by two sisters, Dorothy Hess (Ken) and Eleanor Young (Harold).  Surviving are three sisters, Arlene Cosner (Norman)  of Maugansville,  Lois Ellen Valentine of Chambersburg, and Barbara Sue Cordell (John) of Chambersburg. Several nieces and nephews.

The family would like to express their gratitude to Hospice of Frederick County and especially to Jamie our Mother's nurse. In lieu of flowers donations can be sent to Hospice of Frederick County.

Graveside services will be held at Grossnickle Church of the Brethren, 11301 Meeting House Rd. Myersville, Md. on Friday, January 8th at 12 Noon. Due to COVID-19 restrictions, face masks and social distancing are required.

Online condolences may be shared at www.keeneybasford.com.