Mary Catherine Corderman

Mary Catherine Corderman, died on December 31, 2011 at Calvert Manor Healthcare Center, Rising Sun, MD. She was 94 years old. Born on October 20, 1917, in Big Pool, MD, she was the daughter of Clarence A. and Anna V. Frush. She is survived by her children; Ann C. Helton and husband, Arthur, of Darlington, MD, James Corderman and wife, Judy, and Virginia Keyser of Raleigh, NC; six grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren. Also surviving is her sister, Harriet Benchoff of Lancaster, PA. She was preceded in death by her sister, Betty Wolfe and brothers, Clarence, Daniel, Fred, John, Dick, Calvin, Donald, Harry and Roy Frush.

She was a member of Christ's Reformed Church-UCC for 73 years, where she served both that church family and her Lord in many capacities. She was also active as a volunteer at Washington County Hospital and the Washington County Chapter of the Maryland Ornithological Society. Birding was a passion for her and she kept a strict record of her bird life-list, traveling to many exotic birding sites in this pursuit. For many years she regularly attended to the official count of migratory hawks at the Washington Monument on South Mountain. Her sightings were reported to the National Hawk Association and became part of national data compiled annually. She was an active organizer and fundraiser for the Reid/Paramount Schools where her children attended school.

Mrs. Corderman was an accomplished needle worker, flower gardener and cook. Many of her recipes have been handed down to the generations of her children and grandchildren. In 1957 she was named Mrs. Hagerstown as a result of her homemaking abilities. She also enjoyed ballroom dancing and attending the concerts of the Hagerstown Symphony. Reading was a life-long hobby that gave her much pleasure.

A memorial service will be announced at a later date in the spring, where friends and family will celebrate her life and the gifts she gave to all who knew her.