HARWICK

MARY CAROLYN

Born on the family farm near Jacobsburg, OH, on January 14, 1935, to Willard D. and Elizabeth Meek Myers. She died peacefully on August 9, 2026, in Mt. Lebanon, PA, her long-time home. She was able to speak to her sons and grandchildren to say how much she loved them before she passed. Survived by children, Barry (Marcia) and Bob (Nancy); grandchildren, Michael, Mary (Ryan), Ben (Katie), Mark (Alyssa), Chris (Partner Kathryn), Sarah and Katie. And great-grandchildren, Gabe, Jamie, William, Samuel and Henry; as well as numerous nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her daughter, Beth; and former husband, John.

Mary graduated from Brookville High School and attended what was then Indiana State Teacher's College in Indiana, PA. While still a full-time student, she managed the extraordinary feat of getting married, to John Harwick, having her three children and still graduated on time. The local newspaper had a photo of her being congratulated by the governor as she proudly showed off her kids.

She went on to a decades-long award-winning career as a teacher and elementary school guidance counselor. Her ability to work with children was phenomenal and she truly changed countless lives. She was revered as an engaging story time reader for children of all ages. Many of her former Hillsdale and Kelton students have fond memories of the puppet, Duso, that she and fellow counselor Joyce used to get students to open up.

Her volunteer activities would fill a good-sized book. She was very active in the Mt. Lebanon Evangelical Presbyterian Church, was a co-founder and president of Lydia's Place, led countless classes at the Allegheny County Jail where she was awarded the 2001 "Outstanding Ministry Award" and was a regular worker at the Brookline food bank. She was the inaugural winner of the Foundation of Hope "Mary Harwick Volunteer of Hope Award". In 2003, she was the recipient of the Jefferson Award for public service. The mayor of Pittsburgh named October 27, 2016, as Mary Harwick Day in recognition of her years of community service. Her spiritual life was very important to her and it was reflected in how she lived her life as a regular churchgoer as well as her many years as a Sunday School teacher and an organizer of Kingdom Kids.

Mary was literally a world traveler and visited over a dozen countries and much of the United States. She often was accompanied by her daughter Beth, her friend, Karen, and then with many of her nieces and nephews. One of her favorite spots was visiting older son Barry and his family on Cape Cod where she could happily sit on the beach for hours.

Sports were an essential part of Mary's life. She officiated at hundreds of track meets and road races and directed the JFK cross-country meet at Schenley Park for many years. She was a mainstay of the West Penn Track Club for decades. She loved nothing more than watching her children and grandchildren compete. She was a lifelong Pirates fan and enjoyed going to Steelers games with her friend Claire. And she was quite a runner herself with a trophy case full of awards and many track club records. In her younger days she was a cheerleader at Brookville and Indiana.

Mary was called Ma by her grandchildren and she spent time with each of them whenever possible. For many years, a summer tradition was a group photo of the seven of them and it was great fun to see them grow. Her joy of seeing photos of her grandchildren and great-grandchildren was one small example of how important family was to her. She was also proud of the fact that at her 90th birthday party, all five of her nieces and nephews traveled from around the country to celebrate with her.

Mary moved to Brookdale of Mt. Lebanon two years ago and immediately embraced the community there. She started a Pinochle card club and led the Share and Prayer program. She was happy to have spent her final years in a warm and comfortable place.

The expression "A life well lived" can be over-used sometimes. In Mary's case, it is a major understatement. Her life was full of joy; reading voraciously, going to the Pops and the symphony, and traveling every chance she got. She was loved by all she met, was always the first to step in to help anyone in need, and her passing will leave a void in all our lives. "I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith." 2 Timothy 4-7.

Memorials in her honor can be sent to the Brookline Christian Food Pantry at Tree of Life Open Bible Church, 1036 Brookline Blvd., Pittsburgh, PA 15226. www.godlovesbrookline.com.

Funeral arrangements are being conducted by BEINHAUER AND SONS, 2630 West Liberty Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15216. 412-531-4000. Viewing hours will be on Friday, August 14, 2026, from 2:00-4:00 and 6:00-8:00 PM.

A funeral service will be held at Mt. Lebanon Evangelical Church, 255 Washington Road, Pittsburgh, PA 15216, on Saturday, August 15, 2026, at 10:00 AM.