Mary "Barbara" Detsch

Mary “Barbara” Detsch, 85, a resident of Elk Haven Nursing Home and formerly of 631 Sherry Road, St. Marys, passed away Saturday, August 27, 2022, at Elk Haven Nursing Home, after a lengthy illness.

She was born June 8, 1937, in St. Marys, daughter of the late Albert F. and Helen Forster Meyer.  She was a lifelong resident of the area and was a graduate of Central Catholic High School, Class of 1955.

On May 3, 1958, in the St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Barbara married Melvin F. “Bud” Detsch who survives.  They were blessed to share 64 years of marriage together.

Along with her husband, she is survived by her daughter, Deborah Ann Wagner (Jack) of Altoona; two sons, Daniel Detsch (Lisa) and Thomas Detsch (Amy) both of St. Marys; eight grandchildren: Jeremy Detsch, Emily St. Andrews (Pat), Kelsey Gerber (Joe), Kyle Detsch, Kara Detsch, Taylor Riley (Sean), Abby Wagner, and Tyler Wagner; three great-grandchildren: Grayson and Hudson Gerber and Averie Riley; her brother, Joseph A. Meyer (Sue) of St. Marys; and by a sister-in-law, Theresa Shanahan (Tom).

In addition to her parents, Barbara was preceded in death by her “little big sister” and lifelong friend, Sister Josepha Meyer.

Barbara was a member of the St. Mary’s Church and volunteered her time with the church’s bereavement luncheons.  She enjoyed keeping herself busy, whether it be in the kitchen cooking, with her family, or out walking, or exercising with her friends.  She took great joy in creating things as she was skilled in many crafts, especially sewing and cross stitching. 

She found the most joy in spending time with her family and her friends.  She enjoyed her many trips, visits, conversations and laughs with her circle of friends and loved to travel with her husband.  She was a special person that would do anything for anyone.

Family and friends are invited to attend a Mass of Christian Burial in the St. Mary’s Catholic Church on Wednesday, August 31, 2022, at 10:00 AM, with the Rev. Thomas More Sikora, OSB, Pastor, officiating.  Burial will follow in the St. Mary’s Catholic Cemetery.

There will be no visitation.

Memorials, if desired, may be made to the St. Mary’s Catholic Church, 325 Church Street, St. Marys, PA 15857 or to the Elk Haven Nursing Home, 785 Johnsonburg Road, St. Marys, PA 15857.