Mary L. Newlin

Mary Louise Nelson Newlin, age 92, of Erie, passed away Wednesday, October 24, 2018. She was born in Erie on January 5, 1926, daughter to the late Ethel and Gustav Nelson of Erie.

Mary graduated from East High School in 1943 and went on to work at AT&T as a switch board operator. She then became a secretary for the VA hospital in Erie and later worked in the Millcreek School District and also at Harbor Creek High School.

Mary's favorite hobbies included archery, flying airplanes, cars, playing the organ and singing with the Sweet Adelines, a women's Barber Shop chorus. She had her pilot's wings before her driver's license and flew out of a small airport that was located where the Millcreek Mall now stands. She would enjoy flying over Erie and the lake and also piloted pontoon planes to land in the lake. Mary had a group of lifelong friends, whom she graduated from East High with, who affectionately called themselves the "Termites". She enjoyed walking to the lake and going to the Peninsula.

Mary was preceded in death by her husband of 52 years, Robert A. Newlin, whom she married on September 22, 1956. They were both members of the First Presbyterian Church of the Covenant where they met at the Dinner Club at the church. Her older brother, George also preceded her in death. Mary is survived by her twin brother, John E. Nelson; and her daughter, Beth Stephano and son-in-law, Art Stephano of New Jersey.

Friends may call at the First Presbyterian Church of the Covenant, 250 West 7th Street, on Saturday, November 3, from 11 am until the time of the Funeral Service there at 1 pm, conducted by Rev. Chris Weichman. Interment will follow at Erie Cemetery. Arrangements are being handled by the Dusckas Funeral Home, Inc.