Mary Lee Noel

Mary Lee Noel, 84, of Fairfield, passed away peacefully on August 31, 2026, surrounded by her loving family. Born on August 15, 1942, she was the beloved daughter of the late George Long and Marie (Keiser) Long.

Mary Lee was a 1960 graduate of Delone Catholic High School.

Mary Lee was a woman whose greatest joy was her family. For 65 beautiful years, she shared her life and her heart with her beloved husband, Richard Noel of Fairfield. Together, they built a family filled with love, laughter, memories, and traditions that will continue for generations.

Mary Lee was a devoted mother to David Noel and his wife, Lynda, of Gettysburg; Douglas Noel and his wife, Kristi, of York; and Melissa Utz and her husband, Joseph, of Fairfield. She treasured each of them and was always proud of the people they became.

Her greatest joy, however, may have been being a grandmother and great-grandmother. She leaves behind grandchildren Daniel Herfel and his wife, Jen; Jessica Noel; Kari Kuhn and her husband, Matt; Jessica Geroux and her husband, Cameron; Morgan Gallant and her husband, Eric; and Maddie Beard and her fiancé, David.

She was also a cherished great-grandmother to Cayden Noel, Dezeare Brown, DéVon Brown, DéMarcus Brown, Aria Kuhn, Nora Kuhn, Ben Geroux, Arlo Geroux, Sonny Geroux, Adam Gallant, and Olivia Gallant. Mary Lee loved being there for her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, cheering them on at their sporting events and celebrating their accomplishments, both big and small. Her presence and support were one of the many ways she showed them just how deeply they were loved.

Mary Lee had a generous heart and found happiness in the simple things that made a house feel like home. She loved spending time with her family, cooking and baking, and especially making Christmas a special time for everyone. She always looked forward to the fall, when she could bake her beloved zucchini bread, filling the house with its warm, comforting aroma and creating another cherished family tradition.

Mary Lee enjoyed Hallmark and Lifetime movies, playing games online, and gathering around the table for Sunday night card games. She was a loyal fan of the Dallas Cowboys, Baltimore Orioles, Notre Dame Fighting Irish, and Indiana Fever, and she never missed an opportunity to support the people she loved.

Her love extended to the four-legged members of the family as well. Her grand-puppies and grand-kitties brought her great happiness, and she enjoyed every moment spent with them.

Mary Lee dedicated much of her working life to caring for others. She worked in restaurant management and later as a Certified Nursing Assistant, bringing the same caring nature and compassion to her work that she brought to her family.

She is survived by her husband, children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and many beloved nieces and nephews. She is also survived by her siblings, Charlotte Folkenroth of Blue Ridge Summit, Joe Long of New Oxford, and Darlene Long of Bonneauville, as well as her sister-in-law and best friend, Ginny Long.

Mary Lee was preceded in death by her siblings Doris Hartzel, Phyllis Chrismer, Melvin Long, Levere Long, Bernard Long, Burnell Long, and Mark Long.

Mary Lee's life was defined by love. She loved deeply, gave generously, worried endlessly, laughed often, and found her greatest happiness in having her family close. She created traditions, filled homes with the comforting smells of something baking, gathered loved ones around her table, and made holidays and ordinary days alike feel special.

Her family will remember her in countless little ways: in a favorite recipe, while enjoying a slice of zucchini bread, during a Sunday night card game, while watching a Hallmark or Lifetime movie, during a Christmas gathering, in the excitement of a ballgame, and every time they gather together and feel the love she spent a lifetime creating.

Though her favorite chair may now be empty and her voice may be missed, the love Mary Lee gave her family will never leave them. She leaves behind not only memories, but a legacy of love carried forward through her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

She was a wife, a mother, a grandmother, a great-grandmother, a sister, an aunt, a friend—and to so many, she was simply Mom.

Her family will carry her in their hearts until the day they meet again.

Rest peacefully, Mom. Your love was our greatest gift, and you will be loved forever.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held 11AM, Thursday, September 10, 2026, at St. Joseph the Worker Catholic Church, 12 East Hanover Street, Gettysburg (Bonneauville), PA, with Father Benny Jose as celebrant.  Burial will be in St. Joseph the Worker Church Cemetery.  A visitation and time to share memories with the family will be held from 10AM-11AM, Thursday, September 10, 2026, at the Kenworthy Funeral Home & Crematory, Inc., 66 East Hanover Street, Gettysburg (Bonneauville), PA.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Mary Lee's memory to the American Cancer Society or St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.

Arrangements have been entrusted by the family to the Kenworthy Funeral Home & Crematory, Inc., 66 East Hanover Street, Gettysburg (Bonneauville), PA.  Memories and Condolences can be shared at www.kenworthyfh.com.

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