Mary Louise Belicic

Mary Louise Belicic, 87, of Lewisberry, passed away on Thursday, September 5, 2024, at UPMC Harrisburg Hospital. She was the daughter of the late James and Mary (Derstine) Devine, born on February 6, 1937, in Harrisburg.

Mary spent most of her youth in Harrisburg, where she attended John Harris High School. No stranger to hard work, she would support her family at a young age as an only child. She harnessed this hardworking spirit, going on to work at various flower shops in the area, including Stephenson’s, Deissler’s and in the Boscov’s floral department. Deep down, she was an entrepreneur, opening flower shops in Lemoyne, on Market Street in New Cumberland and at the Broad Street Market in Harrisburg (where she also ran a deli).

She was independent and walked almost everywhere—and this was safest for the community, as she became notorious for taking out traffic barriers, mailboxes and trees when behind the wheel. Her grandchildren, whom she loved more than anything in life, can attest to this, as they also witnessed her ability to strike fear in fellow shoppers when operating motorized shopping carts at a number of local stores. In the late 1960s, she moved to Lewisberry, and this is where she’d spend the remainder of her years. She was a woman of faith and very spiritual, especially later in life. Above all, Mary loved watching her children grow and enjoyed the time spent with each of her grandchildren. She will be missed by all those who knew her. 

Surviving are her children, Charles Swope of New Cumberland, Renee Longenecker (Bruce) of Liverpool, and Dawn Beaverson of Lewisberry; grandchildren, Charles Swope III, Ashley Griffiths, Shawn Swope, Olivia Taylor, Andrew Wildman Jr., Alicia Longenecker, Erica Swope, and TJ Beaverson; thirteen great-grandchildren; and a close friend of many years, Lori Kapp. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband and best friend, Michael Belicic (dcd. 2015). 

Services will be private and held at the convenience of the family. Mary will be laid to rest alongside her late husband in Rolling Green Cemetery, Camp Hill.