Obituary of Mary S. Ralston

Mary S. (Schaffer) Ralston, 93, of Audubon, PA passed away on Friday, February 2, 2018. She was the beloved wife of the late William H. Ralston. She lived in Audubon for 65 years in the house that she and Bill built. Mary was an active member of the Lower Providence Township community. Formerly of Norristown, she graduated from Norristown High School in 1942. Later in life she attended Montgomery County Community College, graduating with an Associates Degree in 1977. Mary was born in Northampton, PA on April 4, 1924, the oldest daughter of the late John L. and Mary (Jandrisevits) Schaffer and is survived by her youngest sister, Angeline DeNicola of Phoenixville. Along with her husband and parents, she was preceded in death by two brothers, John L. Schaffer, Jr. and Leonard Schaffer, a sister Helen Stephenson, and nephew John L. Schaffer III. Mary began her career as the secretary to the principal of Norristown High School and then worked at the General Washington Country Club, Methacton School District, as Treasurer for Norristown Borough and Secretary - Treasurer for LP Township, from which she retired. During her career she helped to found the Methacton School District, serving on its School Board for several years, and then as an LP Township Supervisor for three terms. One of her proudest accomplishments was the establishment of the LP Community Library where she was a frequent patron. She was a member of the LP Concerned Citizens Group, and served both Montgomery County and Lower Providence Township as Auditor as recently as last year. Mary's life was one of activity and civic duty including working at the polls for over 40 years. She and Bill traveled extensively making friends around the world. She was a lifelong member of St. Teresa of Avila RC Church of Audubon, PA, but often attended St. Andrew's Lutheran Church with family. Mary enjoyed baking and created beautiful cross-stitch samplers. Survivors include her three daughters and their families: Becky (& Dan) Doherty, Westford MA; Debbie (& Jim) Adams, Edmond OK; Susannah (& Robert) Conard, Audubon PA, nine grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren. Her Funeral Mass will be held on Saturday, February 24, 2018 at 10:00 AM at St. Teresa of Avila R.C. Church, 1260 South Trooper Road, Norristown, PA. Friends may call on Friday evening from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM at the Moore, Snear & Ruggiero Funeral Home, 224 West Main Street, Trappe, PA and Saturday morning from 9:00 AM to 10:00 AM at the Church. Interment will take place at St. Patrick's Cemetery, East Norriton, PA. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in her name to: Lower Providence Community Library, 50 Parklane Drive, Eagleville, PA 19403. Mary has lived in Audubon for the last 65 years, formerly of Norristown, Pa. She was a member of St. Teresa of Avila RC Church of Audubon, Pa She graduated from Norristown High School. Mary was the Secretary - Treasurer for Norristown Boro, She also was Township Supervisor