Mary Louise Keppler of Newark DE died on January 20, 2023 at Millcroft Senior Living in Newark DE. She was 95 years old. Mary was born on November 5, 1927 in Altoona PA. She was the daughter of the late Oscar and Florence (DeViney) Keppler. She was predeceased by brothers Donald (Dorothy) and Oscar both of Bally PA.

She graduated from Kutztown State Teachers College, now Kutztown University. During the  summer breaks from college Mary worked at the Chalfonte Haddon Hall Hotel Restaurant in Atlantic City. After graduating she moved to Newark DE and started teaching elementary school. She first lived with Thomas and Margaret Roberts at 116 East Delaware Ave. She remained a friend of the family for the rest of her life.

She is survived by her nephews Richard (Pauline) and Robert Keppler of Bechtlesville PA.

During her 31 year teaching career in the Newark-Christiana School District, Mary taught at Central Elementary, Downes Elementary, and McClary Elementary.

In 1964, she was a charter member of the Delta Chapter for The Delta Kappa Gamma Society International. This is an honorary Society for key women teachers. Mary was elected to serve as the Northeast Regional Director for the biennium of 1980 -82. For many years she would attend the annual conference in various US cities. She also served some years as the parliamentarian. When Mary was first vice president of the State of Delaware, Delta Kappa Gamma Society International, she presented the American flag at the opening ceremonies at the convention in St Louis.

In 1975, Mary was the recipient of an Outstanding Elementary Teacher of America award, and received a citation from Who’s Who of America Women – Special Millennium Edition in 2000-2001.

After retiring from teaching, Mary earned her certification as a Braille Transcriber from the Library of Congress. She volunteered for the Division of the Visually Impaired for the State of Delaware for 25 years. The accolade of this experience was one of the Points of Light award for New Castle County from President George H. W. Bush.

Mary was an active member of the Newark United Methodist Church and for many years was the head money counter for the church. She was also a member of the church’s book club.

In the mid 1980’s, Mary was the caretaker for Margaret Roberts with whom she first lived in the late 1940’s and early 1950’s. When Margaret died in 1986, Mary bought a house on Townsend Road in Newark along with Mary (Sis) Roberts the daughter of Margaret Roberts and was her caretaker until Ms Roberts died in 1998. Mary surely showed a true loving friendship to the Roberts/Griffith families.

She is the also survived by close friends Paul Griffith (grandson of Margaret Roberts) and his wife Patricia of Gettysburg PA, Mary Alice Hinerman and Deanne Dewar both of Newark DE.

Mary would like to give a special thanks to the staff at the Helen Graham Breast Cancer Center and especially to Dr. Emily Penman.

A memorial service for Mary will be held on Tuesday, February 7, 2023 at 11:00 AM at R.T. Foard & Jones, Inc., 122 W. Main Street, Newark, DE 19711. Family and friends may attend the visitation beginning at 10:30AM. Burial will be private. As an avid reader, Mary would like memorial contributions to go to “Friends of Newark Free Library” and sent in care of the funeral home. To send an online condolence, please visit www.rtfoard.com