Mary Catherine Nuth was born in the City of Butler Pennsylvania, on November 10, 1921. Her family of eight lived in a small house on the side of a hill. Behind the house was a wooded valley with a creek where the children played. They had very little money, but they had each other.
Mary’s mother, Alma Fueller, was a daughter of German immigrants who settled in Pittsburgh to run an automotive service station. Her father, William E. Nuth, descended from English coal miners. William never had a trade of his own, but would do whatever was necessary to provide for his family. He had been a butcher, a rag picker, a salesman, an awning maker, and even a city councilman.
Mary loved her father most of all, and she had great respect for her mother, who’s firm hand guided her into adulthood. The six children were born across three decades. By the time the last was born, the first three were adults. The last child, Patty Sue, was born to Mother Alma at the age of 47. Mary, now at the age of fifteen, would care for Patty Sue as her own, for Mother Alma was just too tired to do so.
After high school, Mary went to work at the Armco steel mill, where she would meet Joseph Wagner. They would marry and have two children, two grandchildren and one great-grandchild. They settled in Butler, only one street over from the little house where Mary was raised.
Mary excelled as a home-maker. As an accomplished cook and trained seamstress, she kept her family clothed and well fed. Her talent in sewing led her to tailoring and upholstery school. She recovered countless pieces of furniture well into her eighties. And yet she still had time for a career as an operator for Bell Telephone.
After her children graduated from school, the entire family relocated to Florida, where Mary started a nearly thirty year love affair with the game of tennis. She took tennis lessons and played in a tennis league. She continued to play tennis until the age of 89.
We lost our beloved Mary on August 4, 2013. She was 91. Mary’s ashes were interred on November 14th, 2013 atop of her parents grave in Rose Hill Cemetery, Butler Pennsylvania.
Mary — So many happy thoughts of her … Way back before senior activities and bridge, she played tennis in early morning sessions with Artie, my husband.
Mary and I joked about everything … most recently about her new neighbor and a fictional romance that would change her life — what a delightful laughter would follow.
She added so much to our lives.
Mary always seemed to be in a good mood and loved to smile.
I knew Mary only the last 3 or so years. Played bridge together a few times at Ethel’s. Then again at bingo. My mother in-law, Evelyn Wuerthner also knew her.
A real nice person.
I remember Mary's ... (A) Smile (B) Tennis Ability (C) Advice (D) Purple Top (E) Cleveland Clinic Incident (F) Always Optimistic (G) Very good Person With All My Love Joan HollowayI have nice memories of Mary. I met Mary thru the Staying Alive gym and also playing cards and Pokeno. I remember Mary as a smiling, friendly and loving person, with a great sense of humor. She will be truly missed by all. I’m glad I could be a part of her celebration of life. The thing I will miss most is her smiling face.
I remember Mary’s smile and her wonderful laugh and beautiful eyes.
Our memories of Mary was when I met her in exercise at Staying Alive. Also I (Janet) played bingo with her at Palm Beach Gardens and she sat at my table. Also both my mother and I belong to the Red Hat Club. We both thought she was a wonderful person.
Dear Family,
I got to know Mary very late in life. Met her when she was learning how to play bridge. I was new to PBG and newly retired. Because she was so friendly, I gravitated to her. And make fast friends. Mary – always loyal to her friend would not go with me on a trip the seniors had planned because she said she would have to check with Ethel. Which I admired but thought was rather strange. So I am here to pay my respects to a loyal and devoted person who loved her family and friend very much. I will miss her very much.
My husband and I met Mary & Joe in a doctor’s office. We were waiting a long time and went out to breakfast after. After that we were friends forever.
I played bridge and Pokeno with Mary and went to Moving On and Red Hats. She was always fun to be with. She was always smiling and happy and I will miss her.
To:
MJ & Tim
Your mom was very special – kind and good humor. The photo that Leah and I gave you has the names on the back.
Our tennis games were always a lot of fun. When I was a patient at the Gardens Hospital, I used to go down to the gift shop to see Mary on Thursday mornings.
On the photo there are seven people. Of the seven, the only ones still alive are Leah Hughes and Dick Wagner. (Guess Leah and I are in the finals.)
We had a really great group, and many great memories.
Sure miss you Mary
With Love,
Dick Wagner
Dear Mary,
Remember the D Team when we started our great tennis career. We may not have been the best but we had fun.
I am grateful to have had such a wonderful friend. I will miss you.
Love,
Leah
I’ll remember all the good times we had.
We will miss you, but to us you will never die. You always be in our hearts.
Mary always had a friendly smile – and showed her dimples.
Neighbors at 3870 Lighthouse Dr.
Always a lot of fun, cheerful smile and great sport. Will miss that.
Tennis partner.
Next door neighbor … Many wonderful memories … Rest in peace.
When Mary moved in we met at the carport. During her conversation with me she said she didn’t play bridge and asked if I played tennis. I said no I didn’t play since I hurt my shoulder. Her eyes lit up and said, “We were in rehab together.” So we already knew each other. Small worlds! I will miss her not living in the apartment above me.
Sincerely,
Betty Deitz,
Apt #216
A very cheerful greeting neighbor. Was a determined tennis player, till the fall. But then improving – with time. May you continue to be living well.
Lottie Lakomy
#218
I’ll miss my friend with the beautiful smile.
Rosemary Zielezienski
Condo 222
I will always remember my wonderful neighbor. Every time I saw her she was with her son Tim who took such good care of her. She will be missed.
Loretta Montenero
#315
My favorite memory of Mary was when we met for the first time. It was May 2009 for Katy’s bridal shower. I knew a lot of grandmas that were cool & fun, but never any that drank so I was fascinated when she drank with us and the more she had the harder we laughed. I am very glad to have had the chance to know such a wonderful woman and I love you all!
Love always,
Dawn
Her enduring faith, determination, humor, and love of friends and family are what I remember best about Mary Catherine. She gave warmth, understanding, and goodness to the term mother-in-law. . .
Dear Tim,
This is a touching tribute to your Mother. I only saw her a few times before I moved from Florida, but realized then that she was a special woman. I know you miss her, as do her many tennis friends. But her memory will live within you forever.
Dale