Mary Louise Roe

Mary Louise Roe, a cherished educator and beloved family member, passed away peacefully on May 13, 2025, at the age of 82, at Penn State Health Hampden Medical Center. Born on June 11, 1942, in Cleveland, Ohio, Mary Lou lived a life rich in love and service, leaving an indelible mark on all who knew her.

Mary Lou retired as a dedicated first-grade teacher at Highland Elementary in the West Shore School District, where her passion for teaching and nurturing young minds inspired countless students. She was a 1961 graduate of Cedar Cliff High School and a 1965 graduate of Lincoln Memorial University, Harrogate, TN. She earned her master’s degree from Shippensburg University, a testament to her commitment to education and lifelong learning. Her infectious enthusiasm for learning and her unwavering support of her students, endeared her to parents and colleagues alike, making her an integral part of the school community. At the end of each school day, she hugged each child without fail. Until the end of her life, she always remembered her students’ names when she saw them.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Leo and Genevieve (Malinowski) Drzal.

Mary Lou’s life was filled with love, especially for her family and dogs. Married on September 21, 1963, she was the devoted wife of Joseph M. “Mike” Roe and a caring mother to her two sons, J. Christopher (Ramona) Roe of Camp Hill and Stephen A. (Christa) Roe of New Cumberland. Among her greatest joys were her grandchildren, Jake Devlin, Sara Devlin, Anna Roe, and Suci Roe, who were the center of her world. Mary Lou treasured every moment spent with her family and often spoke of the joy they brought into her life.

In addition to her immediate family, she is survived by her sister, Tena Embick, her brother, Dennis Drzal, and her beloved niece and nephew, Jennifer, and Adam Embick. The warmth of her loving presence will be deeply missed by all her relatives and friends.

Mary Lou Roe was a devout Catholic, attending St. Theresa’s Church in New Cumberland for most of her life. Her faith was an integral part of her being. She was steadfast, quietly walking the walk. She consistently exemplified forgiveness, compassion, and kindness, seeing others as valuable and worthy of love.

During her recent battle with cancer, Mary Lou showed the same strength and grace that characterized her life, often checking on her caretaker’s wellbeing. She fought bravely and left this world surrounded by her family and their love.

A public viewing will be held at Parthemore Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Inc. on May 20, 2025, from 5 to 7PM. Family and friends are invited to pay their respects and share their memories of Mary Lou. A Mass of Christian Burial in her honor will take place at St. Theresa Catholic Church, New Cumberland on May 21, 2025, at 11:00 AM, followed by her entombment at the Rolling Green Cemetery located in Camp Hill.

Mary Louise Roe will be remembered for her unwavering love for her family, her dedication to her students, her concern for everyone, and her spirit of kindness that touched all who had the privilege of knowing her. As we gather to celebrate her life and bid farewell, let us carry her spirit of love, learning, and resilience into the world.

In lieu of flowers, the family welcomes donations made in Mary Lou’s memory to the Humane Society of Harrisburg Area, https://humanesocietyhbg.org/