Mary Lawyer

Mrs. Mary Ellen Fraley Lawyer, lifelong Thurmont resident, died Monday, March 9, 2015 at Frederick Memorial Hospital, just one day prior to her 97th birthday. She was the wife of the late Strafford Hunter Lawyer, who predeceased her on August 6, 1992.

Born March 10, 1918 in Catoctin Furnace, she was the daughter of Plummer and Martha Black Fraley.

Mary graduated with honors from Thurmont High school in 1934. She had a strong faith, reading her bible daily, and was an active member of the Church of the Brethren, rarely missing a service.

She was an involved partner in Strafford's various ventures, handling all aspects of the businesses. Most of her years were spent actively farming. Anyone who knew Mary, can attest to the fact that she had an exceptional work ethic and was extremely independent and determined.

She passed on that strong work ethic to her 6 children, encouraging them to be active in school and the community. To share her love of music she gave them the opportunity to sing and play instruments (it really was a requirement).

Mary was a lifelong orioles fan, an avid reader and loved to travel. She was in awe of the vastness and beauty of the earth and universe. Her extensive travel in later years brought an even deeper appreciation for the beauty of nature and diversity of different cultures.

She had a smile for everyone and her infectious joy and sense of humor will be missed.

Survived by daughters, Mary Ellen Bittner and husband, Richard; Joan Strafford Spalding and husband, Donald; son, Strafford Hunter Lawyer and wife Patti; daughter, Barbara Lawyer Briggs and husband, Milton; and son David Milton Lawyer and wife, Candy. All of her children reside in Thurmont within a few miles of the home farm. Also survived by grandchildren, Ellen Williams and husband, Terry; David Bittner and wife Jennifer; Thaddeus Bittner and wife, Melissa; Lisa Campbell and husband, Todd; Mark Spalding and wife, Deb; Chad Lawyer and wife, Jodi; Monica Crone and husband, Mike; Kathleen Joyner; Jennifer and Mary Lawyer; Brent Lawyer and wife, Renee; Heather and Mitchell Lawyer; Taylor Huffman and husband, Brandon; and Hunter Lawyer; 15 great-grandchildren; 2 great-great-grandchildren; three sisters, Naomi Long and husband, Raymond of Thurmont; Sylvia Keller and husband, Donald of Middletown; and Judy Evans and husband, Larry of Glen Burnie; two brothers, Carroll Fraley and wife, Celia; and Plummer T. Fraley and wife, Nancy both of Thurmont; and many nieces and nephews.

She was predeceased by her brothers, Robert Fraley and Victor Fraley; and her son, Jan Hunter Lawyer.

The family will receive friends at Stauffer Funeral Home, 104 East Main Street in Thurmont on Saturday, March 21, 2015 from 11:00 - 12:00, after which a celebration of Mary's life will follow at 12:00 noon.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in her name to The Church of the Brethren, 14 N Altamont Ave, Thurmont, MD 21788; or Hospice of Frederick County, PO Box 1799, Frederick, MD 21702.

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