Marie Harbaugh (nee Burke), 85 years old, passed away peacefully on December 10, 2018, at her home in Honey Brook, surrounded by her loving family. After a series of small strokes, Marie’s will to live, unwavering faith in God and the love and prayers of family and friends, carried her through more than 8 months. During that time, she visited with family, completed numerous jigsaw puzzles, begrudgingly did her physical therapy and was her usual spunky self. She spent every waking hour with the love of her life, her husband of 61 years, Richard “Dick” Harbaugh. Their 10 children, 27 grandchildren and 11 great grandchildren never ceased to be amazed by their devotion to one another and will forever have their legacy of love to live by.
Marie was born on November 9, 1933 in Philadelphia, PA to Joseph and Marie (Dallas) Burke. She was the middle of the three “Burke Girls”, who also included Theresa and Suzanne. Suzanne tells stories of how well they loved each other growing up and how Marie always watched over her.
After graduating from West Catholic Girls High School in 1951, she went on to work for Bell of PA, leaving after 5 years to start her family with her husband. She returned to Bell Telephone, after raising 10 children, retiring in 1994.
The couple lived in Lansdowne, PA for nearly 40 years, where they raised their children. The family never lacked for company or fun. After their retirement, they moved to Honey Brook, where the family went camping for many years.
In addition to her husband, Marie is survived by her 10 devoted children; Susan Gross (Tom), Grace Trill (Ted), JoAnn Sopko (Bill), Christine Pontarelli (Lou), Rick Harbaugh, Jr (Pati), Renee Ruhl (Mike), Patty Paolucci (John), Lynn Kain (Paul), Karen Marchese (John) and Joe Harbaugh (Stacey). Marie was blessed with 27 Grandchildren and 11 Great Grandchildren. She is also survived by her sisters; Theresa Guida and Suzanne O’Brien and her husband, John “Obie”; a sister-in-law; Kay Harbaugh and numerous nieces, nephews and friends.
Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 a.m., Friday, December 14, 2018 at St. Peter Catholic Church, 2835 Manor Road, West Brandywine, PA 19320. Family and friends will be received from 9:30-10:45 a.m.
There will be a private graveside service for immediate family and friends at Washington Crossing National Cemetery, Newtown, PA, at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be sent in her name to St. Peter Catholic Church, 2835 Manor Road, West Brandywine, PA 19320.
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