Obituary of Mary E. Priggemeier

Mary H. Priggemeier January 27, 1917 August 23, 2007 Mary Priggemeier (nee Haines), age 90 years, died Thursday at home from complications of lymphoma. The ever consummate family woman, Mary spent her last days surrounded by her family. Born in 1917 in the town of Medford, Mary learned the concept of family quickly. She was the daughter of a devoted Quaker who instilled in her the very quiet reserve for which they are known. After graduating from Maryville College, Maryville, Tennessee in 1938 with a Bachelors Degree in Education, Mary became an English teacher for the Rancocas High School in Mount Holly. Mary moved to Woodbury and taught English at the Woodbury High School. While in Woodbury, Mary met Harry Priggemeier, a machinist and model maker from Haddonfield. The two would be married and move to Westville where they had a son, Stephen. During this time Mary taught at the Woodbury Friends School until moving to Pitman in 1961 where she took on the duties as 8th Grade English Teacher in Pitman. Before she retired, she earned her Masters Degree in Education from Glassboro State College. She would retire in Pitman in 1983 and live the rest of her years surrounded by family and friends. Teaching was an outlet of creative expression and compassionate influence on those around her. Anyone who knew Mary saw an extremely gracious being. Mary truly embodied and represented the principals and values of teaching in her everyday life. It wasnt an occupation for her as much as it was a higher calling. Whether in a classroom with students or sitting down at dinner with her family, Mary was always well-spoken and well written and made an attempt to allow that to influence those around her. Teaching wasnt her only love. Mary also loved classical music. She learned at an early age how to play the violin and during her lifetime played with the Haddonfield Symphony and the Woodbury Symphony. She also enjoyed playing and often hosting bridge games with friends. Mary was involved with many academic and civic organizations through the years. Some of them included Delta Kappa Gamma (serving as President), Pitman Womans Club (serving as President), Pitman Heritage Commission, Mickleton Garden Club, and the Pitman Environmental Commission. Mary enjoyed traveling and had visited Ireland, Spain and the Virgin Islands. Mary had many loves in life but none compared to her love for her family. Mary is survived by her son Stephen and his wife Barbara, grandsons Bryce (wife Robin) and Erik, granddaughter Lori, and great grandchildren Gabrielle, Bryce (Adam) Jr., Jonathan, and Heidi all of Mullica Hill. A truly selfless person, Mary always put her family first before herself. Mary was predeceased by her husband of 59 years, Harry in 2005. Friends and family may call to reflect and celebrate Marys life on Tuesday, August 28th at 9:30AM at Kelley Funeral Home. Funeral service at 10:30AM. Interment Colestown Cemetery, Cherry Hill. Those wishing to make a donation may do so by making it to the Mary Priggemeier Scholarship Fund Commerce Bank, 51 S. Woodbury Rd., Pitman,NJ 08071.