Mary Anne Stemple

Mrs. Mary Anne Stemple, 83, of Edgewood, MD passed on to be with the Lord on December 28, 2010, due to complications from a stroke following an operation on December 7th that disclosed stage four colon cancer. She had been in Gilchrist Hospice in Towson since December 14th. Her beloved husband of 62 years, Virgil Stemple, and her children, Philip and Matthew Stemple and Kimberly Anne Stemple Barth were at her side during the final days and weeks.

Born in Upshur County, WV on February 4, 1927, Mary Anne was the daughter of the late Troy Simons and Madge Thorpe Simons, both also West Virginians.

Following graduation from Buckhannon-Upshur High School in 1945, and attendance at West Virginia Wesleyan College, Mary Anne married Virgil Stemple on May 22, 1948. Their happy union was an example for so many to emulate and resulted in three children and seven grandchildren that she adored immensely.

Having worked as a dental assistant in her early years, and as a highly successful Avon lady after the children reached teenage years, her primary vocation was that of a devoted wife, mother, and homemaker. Moving to Baltimore, MD from West Virginia in 1958, Mary Anne and Virgil raised their family and resided in Edgewood, MD for the past 49 years. Her involvement in the school and community activities of her children was always a high priority.

Mary Anne was extremely active in the Presbury United Methodist Church of Edgewood, and in particular as a leader in the United Methodist Women organization there. She could be counted on for not only regular and involved participation, but a style of selfless service that was focused on the needs of others. It is no exaggeration to say that her service at that church has become legendary over the past several decades.

A woman of great strength and even greater faith, it was this faith in the Lord, since singing in the choir as a schoolgirl, and her eternal optimism that saw her through many health issues in recent years and allowed her to not only overcome, but to flourish following those various trials.

Pallbearers will be Philip Stemple, Matthew Stemple, Gregory Barth, Bradley Barth, Hunter Stemple, and Colton Stemple.

Following the services, a lunch will then be served at the home of her daughter, Kim Barth.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Presbury United Methodist Church, P.O. Box 175, Edgewood, MD 21040.