Mary Katherine (Shaull) Holder

Mary Katherine Shaull Holder

Mary Katherine Shaull Holder passed away peacefully on April 26 at home in New Cumberland, PA. She was 93. Born June 16, 1921, in Minneapolis, MN, to the late Walter and Mary (Dugan) Shaull, Mary was the younger of two and grew up in Mechanicsburg, PA. She was educated at Mechanicsburg High School and Central Pennsylvania College.

In 1948, Mary married George Hughes Holder, who predeceased her in 2009 after 61 years of marriage. The couple were married in the chapel of St. Theresa Catholic Church in New Cumberland, and were devout members of the parish.

Like her beloved husband as well as her brother – the Rev. Msgr. Walter H. Shaull, who predeceased Mary in 1992 – Mary’s life was guided by her strong Catholic faith. In addition to her generous support of St. Theresa Catholic Church, Mary was also a benefactor of Trinity High School and of Holy Spirit Hospital in Camp Hill.

In 2007, Mary and George were awarded the Pontifical Honor of the Order of St. Gregory the Great by Bishop Kevin C. Rhoades, in recognition of outstanding service and devotion to the Catholic Church.

For 25 years, Mary volunteered as an American Red Cross “Gray Lady” at Harrisburg Hospital and later at Holy Spirit Hospital. Mary enjoyed a close circle of friends, was an avid bridge player and member of the Harrisburg Garden Club as well as the West Shore Country Club. She could command a room with her sharp wit, and put Emily Post to shame. Mary was a loving, protective wife and mother who devoted her life to her family.

Mary is survived by her eight children: George Hugh and wife Carol of Mechanicsburg; Walter and wife Kathleen of Mechanicsburg; Mary Theresa (“Missy”) and husband Thomas Holtzman of Camp Hill; Thomas and wife Robyn of Camp Hill; Maureen and husband Thomas Ryan of Mechanicsburg; Mariclare and husband Gary Lombard of Houston, TX; Mary Christine Holder of New York, NY; and Mary Katherine Holder of Alexandria, VA. Mary is also survived by her 11 grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren: Cristina and husband Brian Maguire and their daughters Shannon and Brenda and son Patrick; Elizabeth and husband Zachary Waite and their daughters Makayla and Madilyn and son Ian; Matthew, Margaret, and Timothy Ryan; Nicholas and Bryan Lombard and Bryan’s daughter, Liliana; and Thomas, Michael and wife April, Mary Katharine, and James Holder.

The Holder family wishes to thank Mary’s devoted caregivers for their service the last several years. They would like to recognize Debra Dolbec for her more than 20 years of loyal service and support, as well as Suzanne Keener, Ann Allen, and Joan Stolka from Griswold Home Care. Their compassionate, loving care was a great comfort to Mary and her family.


There will be a private family viewing. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11 am on Friday, May 1st at St. Theresa Catholic Church, New Cumberland. Respectfully, the Holder Family requests a private burial and committal service at Gate of Heaven Cemetery, Upper Allen Twp.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to either St. Theresa Catholic Church, 1300 Bridge St., New Cumberland, PA, 17070; or, Trinity High School, 3601 Simpson Ferry Rd., Camp Hill, PA, 17011.

To send messages of condolence to the Holder Family or for driving directions and more information, please visit www.parthemore.com.