Mary Elizabeth Tharp

Mary Elizabeth Tharp nee MacKenzie – affectionately called “Marybeth” by her family – was born on August 29, 1944 in Trenton, New Jersey to Elbert K. and Rose Theresa MacKenzie. The eldest of four siblings, Mary in her youngest days was equal parts a responsible, dutiful daughter and older sister who, while socially shy on occasion, quickly earned the affection of those who knew her with her easy laughter and witty sense of humor.

After graduating high school, Mary attended West Chester University – then called “West Chester Teacher’s College” – where she met her future husband, Roger S. Tharp III, during an ice-skating outing with friends. The sweet story of their happenstance meeting, and Roger’s gentle chivalry in teaching Mary to ice skate, is a beloved family favorite. Their courtship frequently took them to Longwood Gardens and other time-honored Unionville landmarks. They later married on August 12, 1967 and had two children: Roger S. Tharp IV and Dolores Mae Pekruhn nee Tharp. Mary and Roger enjoyed over 40 years of marriage until his untimely passing in 2009.

Mary had a passion for teaching and was especially gifted in her work with young children. She first taught elementary school at Unionville Elementary, before transitioning to a preschool teaching position at the Kennett Preschool Co-operative. Among her favorite lessons to offer her students was the miracle of the caterpillar becoming a butterfly; her classrooms every spring included a netted terrarium with milkweed plants and chrysalis hanging delicately from the leaves. Because Mary taught with such wonder, her students devotedly and eagerly watched for the butterflies’ glorious emergence. It was a perennial activity that many remember fondly.

Mary was also a devoted volunteer and mother; she spent many hours with her son’s Boy Scout activities, was a Girl Scout leader of her daughter’s troops, and actively shared her gifts with the Unionville Community Fair, Unionville Presbyterian Church, and other community groups. Through these activities, Mary built lasting friendships that endure to this day, forged through countless camping trips, whitewater rafting excursions, communion services and ribboning ceremonies.

Over the years, Mary enjoyed many past-times and hobbies, and chief among them were photography, crafting, flower arranging, and singing. Sightseeing tours and trips often found Mary behind the camera’s lens, rather than in front, as she captured countless scenes of sunsets, winter-scapes, seagulls and, perhaps the most voluminous works, her kids and her cats. As her skills developed, Mary exhibited in the Unionville Fair and later, the art galleries of Jenner’s Pond, where she and Roger retired in 2005.

While living at Jenner’s Pond, Mary tenderly coordinated the daily care of her husband, following his stroke. After he passed away, she then threw herself into the vibrant community life there, writing for the newsletter, taking pictures, volunteering at the Heron’s Nest, and enjoying the society of new and old friends alike. She spontaneously took a solo, two week cruise to Italy – informing her children only after she’d left – and did other local traveling through Jenner’s Pond groups.

On April 3, 2021, Mary joyfully gained the title of “Grandma Mary” when her first grandchild, Amir, was born to her daughter. In 2024, after a year of declining health, Mary passed  into heavenly grace on December 8. She is survived by: her son, Roger S. Tharp IV; daughter, Dee Pekruhn; grandson, Amir M. Roger Hamzi; brother, Bob MacKenzie; and sister, Susie Tweedale, their spouses and children, along with many cousins, friends and neighbors.

A viewing will be held from 11:00am to 12:00pm on Friday, December 13, 2024, at Unionville Presbyterian Church: 815 Wollaston Rd Kennett Square, PA 19348, followed by a funeral service at 12:00pm. Burial will follow at the Unionville Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a contribution in Mary's name to the Cape May Light House: cmmac.ticketapp.org

To view her online tribute and to share a memory with her family, please visit www.kuzoandfoulkfh.com.

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