Mary Louise (Snyder) Dandrea

Mary Louise (Snyder) Dandrea, 84, of Orbisonia, went to be with the Lord on April 23, 2020.

She was born in Altoona PA on September 15, 1935, the only child of the late William and Maude (Beale) Snyder.  On September 3, 1955 she married Verino Dandrea, who survives and resides in Orbisonia.  Also surviving are five children, Thomas of St Cloud FL, John of Odenton MD, Carole (Gracey) of Three Springs PA, Janine (Hunsberger) of Kennett Square PA, and Grace (Schellinger) of Perkasie PA. Mary is also survived by seven grandchildren, Marissa (Gracey) Davis of Huntingdon PA, Tara (Gracey) Strauser of York PA, Daryle (Gracey) Yohn of Mapleton Depot PA, Erik Schellinger of Perkasie PA, Jenna (Schellinger) Mobile of West Chester PA, and Aaron and Danielle Dandrea of Odenton MD, and 4 great-grandchildren, Alexei and Avri Strauser of York PA, Isaiah Yohn of Mapleton Depot PA and Hayley Davis of Huntingdon PA.

She was a graduate of Altoona High School and Mount Aloysius, with additional studies at Penn State and Juniata College.  She had been employed as a dental assistant and receptionist for various doctors in the area and had also been an adult education teacher.

Her early years were spent in music and dance; in sixth grade she formed a chamber group of music students with violin, viola, piano and her cello, which played for church class meetings and womens’ groups.  Her first employment in high school was as an accompanist for an Altoona dance studio and recitals.  She maintained an avid interest in music her whole life.

Mary was active in community affairs and was a strong supporter of the County Library system.  She had served as past president of the Friends of the Library and chaired many book sales.  She was a board member of the Standing Stone Senior Center and enjoyed participating in their music visitations to the nursing homes and retirement centers in the area.  She had been an active member of the Presbyterian Church in both Orbisonia and Huntingdon, where she taught Sunday School for many years, served on various committees, was a member of the choir, and served two terms as Moderator of the PW Association.

She had great interest in American History and visited many sites around the country with her husband.  She also enjoyed the Southwest and frequently traveled to Arizona to visit her lifelong friend Twila O’Dell in Scottsdale.

She was a voracious reader, especially of murder mysteries and historical novels, and was a lover of opera and ballet.  She was a sports fan of the Altoona Curve baseball team, and the Pittsburgh Pirates, Steelers and Penguins.

Her family was her greatest joy, taking great pride in their achievements in life.  Her love knew no bounds when her great-grandchildren were born.

There will be no viewing or visitation.  Private interment will be at Rockhill Independent Order of Odd Fellows Cemetery.  

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, a memorial service will be scheduled for a later date.

Donations may be made to the Huntingdon Presbyterian Church, the Huntingdon Library or Huntingdon House.

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