Mary Lu Hutchins

Mary Lu passed peacefully from this life, surrounded by the family she loved, on November 16, 2014. Born at home on August 11, 1935, in Newton Lake, PA, Mary Lu was the daughter of Joseph and Viola Fries Anderson. She would continue to spend summers at the lake throughout her childhood.

Mary Lu is a graduate of Waymart High School, Class of 1953 and Keystone Junior College, Class of 1955. She was employed as a medical secretary by St. Joseph’s Hospital and Moses Taylor Hospital.

During that time, she was engaged to Hobe Hutchins, of Waymart, PA, who first noticed her as she walked across a baseball field. After 22 months of dating and engagement, they were married on June 15, 1957 at Calvary Methodist Church, followed by celebrations at the Hotel American in Carbondale, PA.

As a bride, she moved to LeRaysville, PA, and later to Towanda, PA, where she was a member of the First United Methodist Church and continued her career working in the offices of Memorial Hospital, and H.H. Chadwick, MD for 15 years.

Mary Lu was most proud as a mother, raising two children, Kris and Robin, and supporting them through their sports leagues and college educations. She also played an active role in the lives of her six grandchildren.

During their retirement, Mary Lu and Hobe enjoyed many years together wintering in Vero Beach, FL, playing cards, visiting with friends, and watching the Dodgers spring training baseball. She was also an avid crossword puzzle enthusiast. They later moved together to Franklin, TN, to be closer to their daughter and the warmer weather.

Mary Lu cherished the love in her life, writing “Your family is the core of your life, and you realize that fact the older you get… As my children matured, I had to let go with a smile so they could face the world happy and confident. They grew up in a loving home, and they both carried that love into their own families. I’ve been happy in each stage of my life, but when the grandchildren arrived – that was true happiness. I am truly blessed.”

She is preceded in heaven by her parents, Joseph and Viola Fries Anderson; brother, Jim Anderson; brothers-in-law, Wilson, Jake, Turk and Buck Hutchins; and sister-in-law Alice Allen.

She is survived by her loving husband of 57 years, Hobart (Hobe); children, Kristopher (Pam) Hutchins of Canal Winchester, OH and daughter Robin (Tim) Barrett of Franklin, TN; grandchildren, Kaitlyn, Kyle, Allison, Brady, Brandon, and Abigail; sisters-in-law Jo Anne Anderson and Joan Hutchins; and several nieces and nephews.

Interment will be at Fort Indiantown Gap, PA, at a later date at the convenience of the family. In lieu of flowers, donations in her memory can be made to the American Lung Association.