Mary Elizabeth Gaunt Rhoads, 102, of Crosslands, died peacefully in the presence of her three children, her daughter-in-law and two of her grandchildren on May 11, at Crosslands in Kennett Square.
Born in Collingswood, N.J. in 1910, she grew up in South Jersey, attended George School, and earned her bachelor’s of arts degree from Earlham College. She raised her family in Moorestown, N.J. and the Brandywine Valley. She was a very active volunteer in her communities. For her last 26 years, she lived at Crosslands.
Mary Rhoads was an active Quaker, most recently a member of Kennett Friends Meeting. Her passions included collecting decorative fans (founding member of the Fan Association of North America), nature (guide at Ashland Nature Center and at Brandywine Creek State Park), education (teacher at Sanford School and volunteer at the Tick Tock shop), peace, clowning and laughter.
Many saw her as a role model because of her wisdom, generosity, humility, spirituality and sense of gentle humor.
She is survived by one sister, Caroline Headley of Newville, her son, David Rhoads of Kennett Square, her two daughters, Ruth Engler of Barrie, Ontario, Canada and Winnie Givot of Sisters, Ore., five grandchildren and six great grandchildren. Her husband of 68 years, Richard Rhoads, died in 2005.
A memorial service to celebrate her life will be held August 24, at 2 p.m. at Crosslands in Kennett Square.
In lieu of flowers and in the spirit of her generosity, contributions may be made to Pacem In Terris, 1304 N. Rodney St, Wilmington, DE 19806, or to the Mary Gaunt Rhoads Scholarship Fund, Earlham School of Religion, Earlham College, 801 National Road West, Richmond, IN 47374.
Arrangements by the Kuzo & Grieco Funeral Home, 250 West State Street in Kennett Square.
Online condolences may be made by visiting www.griecocares.com
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