Mary Harper, 98, died at 10:15 p.m. Friday, May 19, 2006 at Crandall Medical Center in Sebring.
She was born May 4, 1908 in Hurky in what is now the Czech Republic to Louis and Anna Srp Vild. She came to the United States with her family in 1911 and they settled in Cleveland. She attended South High School in Cleveland.
She was married to William L. Harper, June 2, 1931 in Cleveland. They moved in 1932 to New York City where they lived for several years. They also lived in Orange, N.J., returning to Cleveland in 1942.
Early in her life, Mary was employed as a waitress and hostess at various restaurants. She was later employed for several years as a tester for the Rola Company in Cleveland.
Mary was a long-time member of the former Calvary United Methodist Christ in Cleveland where she was a member of the Alethean Class. In later years she was a member and deacon of Brooklyn Presbyterian Church in Cleveland. She was also a den mother for the Cub Scouts and had been a member of PTA and Woodmen Circle.
She was especially proud of the 6,000 hours of service she gave as a member of Retired Senior Volunteer Program in Cleveland working at Channel 25, the American Cancer Society, the Heart Association and as a teacher's aide in Cleveland public schools. She received several awards for her hours as a volunteer.
Mary also loved to travel, visiting tourist attractions across the United States, as well as in Europe and Hawaii. And she was a theater-goer all of her life.
In 1996 Mary moved from Cleveland to the Copeland Oaks community in Sebring where she continued to be active, including service as a caring friend.
She is survived by a son and daughter-in-law, Thomas N. and Cynthia Harper of Alliance; five grandchildren, Gregory Mahaffey (Kari) of Michigan, Pamela Mitchell (Timothy) of Florida, Kelly Harper of Virginia, William D'Arcangelo of Virginia and Gene Harper (Linda) of California; a daughter-in-law, Grace Harper of Virginia; 12 great-grandchildren, two great-great grandchildren; a niece and two nephews.
Mary was preceded in death by her husband on Dec. 12, 1972; a son, Commander William L. Harper, USN (ret.), in 1998; two brothers, James and Louis Vild; and a great grandson.
A memorial service will be at 3 p.m. Friday in Bennett Chapel at Copeland Oaks with the Rev. Gordon Ruggles of Union Avenue United Methodist Church in Alliance officiating. There will be a visitation time in the Williamsburg Lounge next to the chapel from 2 to 3 p.m. Friday. Interment will be in Highland Park Cemetery in Cleveland.
Memorial Contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society, 925 South Main Street, North Canton, OH, 44720.