Mary J. Spatz

Mary June Spatz passed away Friday, May 19 th following an illness. Born in 1932 in Chester County, PA to
the late Sterlin and Edna Henley, Mary was preceded in death by her husband Leroy Spatz, sister Sylvia,
and brothers Arlyss and Rudy. Mary is survived by her sisters Arlene, Margaret, and Marjorie, brother
Earl, daughter Deanna Heathcote, wife of Alan Heathcote, son Jeffrey Spatz, husband of Kelly Spatz, and
grandchildren Ryan Heathcote, husband of Elizabeth Heathcote, Erik Heathcote, and Hannah (Spatz)
Hartz, wife of Karl Hartz, and two beloved great granddaughters, Emma and Margery Heathcote. In
addition to those mentioned, Mary had a number of beloved nieces, nephews, and cousins, scattered
throughout the mid-Atlantic region and beyond.
As a young adult, Mary, a determined soul if ever there was one and hailing from strong Appalachian
stock, embarked on a journey to become a registered nurse. Her schooling required her to navigate and
overcome myriad challenges. She succeeded and spent the next nearly 60 years as a registered nurse
working in various roles, including those at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia and St. Joseph Hospital in
Reading, PA.
Mary married Leroy Spatz in July of 1961 and remained by his side until his death in 2012. Leroy’s family
work ethic fit well with the Henley’s formidable work ethic, and they each were welcomed into the
other’s families. Mary and Leroy spent the majority of their years together on a small farm in Fleetwood,
PA where Mary developed and cultivated her love of daylilies and gardening.
A multi-decade member of Exeter Bible Church where she sang in the choir and formed life-long
friendships, Mary loved, feared, and wrestled with God. She held fast to her faith in spite of her physical
challenges in her later years.
A funeral service will be held Thursday, May 25 th at 11am at the Stitzel Funeral Home, 423 Main Street,
Oley, PA 19547. Friends and family may visit from 10-11am at the funeral home. Burial will be private at
Charles Evans Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Biblical Ministries Worldwide, 1595 Herrington Road,
Lawrenceville, GA 30043.
Online condolences may be expressed at www.StitzelFamilyFuneralHomes.com.

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