Mary Jo (Koegler) McElheny-Hawthorne

Mary Jo McElheny-Hawthorne, 91, Green Acres, FL, formerly of Loretto, died June 30, 2021 at Elmcroft Senior Living, Duncansville. Born December 5, 1929 in Altoona, daughter of the late Herman J. Sr. and Madeline C. (Hughes) Koegler. Preceded in death by first husband, Gerald W. McElheny in 1972, second husband, William F. Hawthorne in 2003, daughter, Kathryn Hoover in 1975, and these brothers and sisters; James, Betty Krug, Pete, Helen Haley, John, Virginia “Ginger” Fortney, and Midge Wyland. Survived by sons; Tim (Deb Rickens) of Cresson and Dave (Kay Davis) of Auburndale, FL, son in law, Larry Hoover (Kathleen) of Loretto, 11 grandchildren, 26 great grandchildren, brothers and sisters: Patrick, Madeline “Sis” (Dave) Kelly, Joan Gabrielson, Genevieve “Jenny” (Don) Clark, Stephen “Mike”, Gloria (Mike) Tusko, and Charles, sisters in law, Shirley Koegler and Marge Koegler. Also survived by numerous nieces and nephews. Mary Jo enjoyed socializing with friends, golfing and going to the beach. She was a 1951 graduate of the West Penn Nursing School, Pittsburgh. She taught nursing at the JFK Hospital in West Palm Beach, Florida and worked as a Registered Nurse for over 60 years. During the 1977 Johnstown flood she flew on a National Guard Helicopter into Tanneryville to help the many victims. Mary Jo was a member of National Association of Orthopedic Nurses, she was also a life member of the Richland VFW and the West Palm Beach Moose Association. At the request of the deceased there will be no viewing or service. Inurnment will take place at the Bushnell National Cemetery, Bushnell, FL. In lieu of flowers the family suggests donations be made to the Wounded Warriors Project, 4899 Belfort Road, Suite 300, Jacksonville, FL 32256 in Mary Jo’s memory. Arrangements by Gibbons Funeral Home, 1688 Liberty St., Ashville, PA 16613. www.gibbonsfhashvillecoalport.com

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Mary Jo (Koegler) McElheny-Hawthorne, please visit our floral store.