Mary Jane Wahl

Mary Jane Wahl (nee Leaming) of Ambler, PA passed away on October 15, 2015. She was 76 years old. Born in Abington on February 23, 1939 daughter of the late Helen (nee Lenihan) and John Patrick Leaming. Wife of the late Charles T. "Bud" Wahl for 55 years. She graduated from Immaculate Conception Catholic School in Jenkintown (1952), Gwynedd Mercy Academy (1956) and Hahnemann University (1997). She was married in 1959 and moved with her husband Bud to Wertheim am Main, Germany for three years while he served in the United States Army. While raising her family she volunteered for Le Leche League (LLL) beginning in 1968, and in 1985 became a certified lactation consultant, becoming a member of the first class of nationally certified lactation consultants. She helped thousands of new mothers and their babies. Through LLL, she was also trained in Human Relations, communication skills she called upon throughout her life. In the 1990s, she worked as a Certified Nursing Assistant at St. Joseph's Villa at night while finishing her undergraduate degree during the day. In 1999, she became the Coordinator of the Meals on Wheels program at the Ambler Senior Adult Activities Center (SAAC) and then in 2000 became the Site Manager of the Center. She retired from that position in 2011. Mary Jane was a member of St. Anthony of Padua parish for more than five decades. Throughout her life she was a devoted volunteer-active in civic life and her parish. In addition to being a long-time member of the Civil Service Commission for Ambler Borough, Mary Jane also volunteered at the polls on Election Day for years. In 2007, she received the Margaret Beirn Barger distinguished Alumnae Award from Gwynedd Mercy Academy. Mary Jane and Bud spent many years teaching Pre-Cana to engaged couples and both also served on the Home and School Board for Ambler Catholic Elementary School. Mary Jane was volunteering for the Meals on Wheels program up until just a few weeks before she passed away. Mary Jane loved spending time with her gregarious family. She was a creative woman who demonstrated ingenuity and had a tremendous thirst for knowledge. She loved to: read, watch public television, quilt, garden, grocery shop and visit the lavender farm. She had a love for the natural world and was concerned about environmental issues especially clean water. The Sisters of Mercy had a tremendous influence on the woman Mary Jane became, and she had a deep gratitude for these strong and caring role models. Because of these religious women and her faith, Mary Jane was keenly aware of the importance of service to others and social justice. She was a gifted listener and treated all people with dignity and compassion. Her heart overflowed with love and generosity for family, friends and many strangers. Mary Jane was preceded in death by her husband (Bud), her daughter (Jennifer), her parents (John Patrick and Helen Leaming), her brother (David Leaming). Mary Jane is survived by children Elizabeth Kunzier (John), Jonathan, Mary Kathryn, Kristina Glanzmann (James); grandchildren Jen, Kate, Jack, Claire, Libby, Will and Brendan; her brother, John Patrick Leaming Jr. of Florida; and her sister- and brother-in-law Claire (Wahl) and Jim Angus of North Wales.Friends and relatives are invited to attend a viewing on Thursday, October 22 at St. Anthony of Padua Church in Ambler from 9 a.m. - 10:30 a.m. with a funeral mass immediately following at 10:30 a.m. A private burial will be held at Holy Sepluchre. Memorials can be sent to Le Leche League of Eastern PA www.lllofeasternpa.org or the AMBLER branch of the Wissahickon Public Library www.wpvl.org.

Arrangements by Shaeff-Myers Funeral Home.