Mary Elizabeth Kaufman, 99, formerly of Oil City, died on April 22, 2019 at Sugar Creek Station. Born September 3, 1919 in Landisburg, PA, she was the daughter of the late Henry K. and Edith Dum Eby.
Mary was educated in the Landisburg and Newport public schools where her father was the supervising principal. In 1941, she graduated from Indiana State Teachers College (IUP) with a degree in business education.
After teaching briefly in New Cumberland, PA, she taught in Berlin Brothersvalley High School in Berlin, PA where she met her future husband, John O. Kaufman. Mary and John were married June 24, 1943 in Miami Beach, Florida where John was stationed as a troop physical fitness trainer during World War II. They were married for 63 years until John’s death in 2007.
After the war Mary and John briefly lived in Evans City before moving to Oil City in 1948. Mary spent the next several years as a homemaker and substitute teacher while raising three sons, Jay, Bill and Ted. She returned full time to education in 1967 as a typing teacher at Oil City Junior High School and retired in 1979. In retirement Mary and John enjoyed winters in Daytona Beach and spending time with family and friends.
Mary was active in Grace United Methodist Church as a member of the sanctuary and bell choirs, Committee on Pastor Parish Relations, the United Methodist Women, and as a Sunday School and Bible School teacher.
Mary had a love of music and was an accomplished pianist and vocalist. In addition, she enjoyed reading and traveling.
She served as president of the Alpha Tau Chapter of Delta Kappa Gamma Society International, volunteered at the O.C. & T. Railroad, American Red Cross, and YWCA, and belonged to the Schubert Club, Venango Community Concert Board, Order of the Eastern Star, and the Pennsylvania Association of School Retirees.
She is survived by sons John Jay (Deborah) of Encinitas, CA, William (Patricia) of West Chester, PA, and Ted (Lee Ann) of Miami, OK; eight grandchildren, David Kaufman of El Cajon, CA, Joseph Kaufman of Encinitas, CA, Steven (Natalie) Kaufman of San Diego, Benjamin (Ann) Kaufman of Tempe, AZ, Daniel (Theresa) Kaufman of Villanova, PA, Jennie (Joel) Grigsby of Overland Park, KS, John (Jessica) Kaufman of Edmond, OK and Katie (fiancé Michael Frye) Kaufman of Miami, OK; and nine great-grandchildren: Elizabeth Kaufman; Rosemary and Lily Kaufman; Hollis, Parker and Graham Grigsby; Everett and Eva Kaufman; and Anna Martin. Also surviving are several nieces and nephews.
In addition, she is survived by cherished friend and roommate, Mary Tanner, of Sugar Creek Station.
In addition to her husband and parents, Mary was preceded in death by a brother, Henry Eby, and a sister, Helen Doss.
The family wishes to thank the staff of Sugar Creek Station for the excellent care Mary received during her years there, as well as the VNA Hospice team members who assured her comfort during her final days.
Visitation will be held on Thursday, May 2 at Grace United Methodist Church from 1:00 to 3:00 pm. A funeral service will be held at the church at 3:00 with the Rev. Byron K. Myers officiating.
Interment will be in Grove Hill Cemetery, Oil City.
Donations in Mary’s memory may be made to Sugar Creek Station Auxiliary at 351 Causeway Drive, Franklin, the Oil City Area School District Endowment Fund in care of Bridge Builders Community Foundations at 206 Seneca Street, Oil City, or the Venango VNA Foundation at 491 Allegheny Blvd, Franklin.
To leave the family a special message, obtain directions, or view other helpful services, please visit www.morrisonhome.com.
