Mary W. Bitterman, age 82, departed to be with the Lord at her home South of Willow Street, PA on November 20, 2015. She was the loving wife of Chester A. Bitterman, Jr.
Born in Lancaster to Ralph and Sadie (Herr) Witmer, Mary was raised on the farm of her grandmother (Alice Herr) on the East end of Millersville. She went to the Bausman Elementary School, James Buchanan Jr. High School and then elected to go to J.P. McCaskey High School, graduating in 1951. She and Chet married in 1951, honeymooning in Bermuda.
Mary, as a diligent homemaker faithfully raised her eight children in the nurture and admonition of the Lord. She was gifted artistically and was greatly appreciated as an outstanding cook. She enthusiastically helped in the ministry of the HI-WAY Chapel and supported and encouraged missionaries for many years through Wycliffe Associates.
In addition to her husband, Chet, Mary is survived by 7 children: Curtis, husband of Diane Bitterman of Leola, PA; Connie, wife of Grant Formby of Fort Worth, TX; Carol, wife of Richard Statler of New Providence, PA; Craig, husband of Dawn Bitterman of Strasburg, PA; C. Grant, husband of Joanne Bitterman of Willow Street, PA; Chris, husband of Ginger Bitterman of Lexington, NC and Cindy, wife of Peter Tuckey of Leola, PA; 27 grandchildren, 19 great-grandchildren, along with a cousin, Arlene Delp of Williamsburg, PA.
She was predeceased by her eldest child, Chester A. Bitterman, III; Bible translator who was martyred in 1981 in Columbia, South America. When attending the presentation of the Gift of Chet’s Memorial Ambulance in Columbia, South America, Mary met and was thanked personally by the (then) president Julio Cesar Turbay.
Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend a funeral at the DeBord Snyder Funeral Home and Crematory, Inc., 141 E. Orange St., Lancaster, PA 17602 on Wednesday, November 25, 2015 at 10:30 a.m. with the Rev. Chris Bitterman officiating. The family will greet friends, also at the funeral home on Tuesday, November 24th from 6:30-8:30 P.M. Interment at Millersville Mennonite Cemetery will be immediately following the funeral.
Please omit flowers. Contributions would be greatly appreciated by Water Street Ministries, P.O. Box 7267, Lancaster, PA 17604
Pat Van Sprague (Wenger)
November 21, 2015 at 5:53 pmMary and I have been good friends for several decades. I was always welcome to her table and guest room. We talked about everything as girlfriend s do. She will be missed. Love, Pat
Pegge Tennant
November 22, 2015 at 7:46 amMary was only my friend in the last 6 years of her life, but, oh, what a wonderful person I came to realize she was. I was her “Watkins Lady”, and I looked forward to her phone calls letting me know she wanted more Vanilla. The trips to her precious home were such a joy. Mary was always so sweet and interesting. I know that we will meet again in Heaven.
My condolences to Mr Bitterman and to Mary’s” family. You have an awesome wife and mother, and grandmother, and I know she contributed many prayers into your lives. Be comforted knowing she is with our Lord.
Pegge Tennant, Elverson, PA
Art & Mary Ellen Davis
November 22, 2015 at 12:40 pmdear Chet and family,
Please accept our deepest heartfelt condolences in the loss of our Dear Mary, who served her Lord with all her heart with all her strength—through many limitations and insurmountable issues. Now she is wondering why she bothered hanging on in this life, we are sure. And may her life and service spur you all on to greater heights for the Kingdom of Christ.
Art and Mary Ellen
Frank Haus
November 22, 2015 at 3:58 pmPrayers and fond memories are what we have to remember our dearly departed. May the love of family and friends comfort you during these difficult days, my most heartfelt condolences.
Stan & Lorraine Kemery
November 23, 2015 at 10:42 amDear Chet & Family,
Our condolences in the loss of Mary She was a prayer worrier, friend, communicator & loved her Lord.
Mary was a loving wife, mother, grandmother& great grandmother.Mary’s journey in life & service to Jesus will be memories we can all remember over these forty plus years. She will be missed but thankful we will meet again in Heaven.
May God grant peace, comfort, & strength at this difficult time.
Love and Prayers
Stan & Lorraine Kemery
Doris (Beachy) Lancaster
November 23, 2015 at 4:31 pmSo sorry to hear of the loss of Mary! She was an inspiration to many, and while she has been reunited with Christ & with Chet, I know that leaves a gaping hole in your lives!!! Praying for all of you as you adjust to this “new normal” portion of life!
jesse king
November 23, 2015 at 6:35 pmwhile we did not know Mary personally, we will be forever thankful for her life that has been so beautifully distilled in the life of her son and our Pastor Chris Bitterman. We share in the sorrow of those who have lost one who was so loved by so many, and also share in the great knowledge that she is safe in the arms of her Savior.
Bill & Audrey Benedick
November 24, 2015 at 10:22 amDear Family of Mary,
We extend to you all our thoughts, prayers and feelings of sorrow on the death of your mother, grandmother, and friend. Her cheerful greetings and smiling expressions of love will be long remembered by us all. So have hope in the tomorrows, have faith in the everlasting and take comfort in the love of friends and family. May happy memories carry you through this sorrowful time.
In loving memory of Mary,
Bill and Audrey Benedick, Ben and Gigi Benedick and David and Beth Benedick
Patti Brown
November 24, 2015 at 11:52 amTo the Bitterman Family and Friends, I am so very sorry for your loss. Please accept my heartfelt sympathies.
Ginger Bitterman
November 25, 2015 at 8:05 amSo thankful for Mary Bitterman who modeled patience, kindness, mercy, and hospitality her whole life, and in doing so instilled it in her son who would become my wonderful husband. She has a legacy of good works, and a long list of people who were recipients of them! I am thankful that she is truly at rest with our Lord.
Andrew and Abby Odell
November 25, 2015 at 3:48 pmChet and family,
We are so sorry to hear of Mary’s passing, but are rejoicing that she knew Jesus and will be with him forever.