Mary Letrich

Mrs. Marry A. Letrich, 90, of 711 Gazebo Lane, Red Hill, Altoona, Pa, died at 12:30 PM, Friday, January 4, 2019 at her residence where her family worked hard to keep her at home during her extended illness.

Mrs. Letrich was born at 1524 Bell Ave, Altoona, Pa on January 16, 1928, daughter of the late Sebastian and Amelia (Eckl) Eder. She first married Robert Crossman July 25, 1953 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Altoona. He died of cancer at age 38 and Mary had to raise 7 young children age 2,3,4,6,7,8 and 9 as a widow. She married her second husband, Stephen J. Letrich October 25, 1969 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Altoona. He died February 26, 1998.

She retired as a cake decorator at Riverside/Giant Eagle Bakery Altoona with 16 years of service.

She was a member of Cathedral of the Blessed Sacrament Altoona, Pa.

Mary graduated from Altoona High School with her GED which she completed while, as a widow raising 7 young children and working. She was a past member of the Bavarian Aid Society and Schuplatters Dance Group. She enjoyed her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren, sewing, baking and gardening. Her children can confirm that she was the best cook.

She is survived by 6 children Robert E. (Celeste) Crossman, of Altoona, Pa; Mary Catherine (Paul) Zottola, of Allison Park, Pa; Cynthia L. (Joe) Vitale of Glenville, NY; Michael D. (Cindy Pomante) Crossman, of Downingtown, Pa; Annette M. (Partner Gene Ripka) Neely, of Karthaus, Pa; and Joseph L. (Partner Anna Anderson) Crossman, of Hollidaysburg, Pa; Mary is also survived by 12 grandchildren Rob, Jared Crossman and Kate Peters, Matthew & Erik Mallory, Joe Vitale and Stephanie Vallino, Emilee and Ian Neely, John Creamer and Nicole and Rachel Crossman, and 2 sisters Hilda Lengfellner of Glen E. Parish, FL and Amelia Johnson of Hollidaysburg, Pa and 2 devoted caregivers Jennifer Thomas and Tammy Tilson. She was preceded in death by a daughter Carol Creamer.

A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10:00 AM, Wednesday, January 9, 2019 at Cathedral of the Blessed Sacrament, Altoona, Pa with Msgr. Robert C. Mazur officiating.

Committal Rites will be held at St. Mary’s Cemetery Altoona, Pa.

Friends will be received from 4-8 PM, Tuesday, January 9, 2019 at contributions to Central Pennsylvania Humane Society 1837 East Pleasant Valley Boulevard, Altoona, Pa 16602.