Wife of Former EMU President Dies

Mary Jane Detweiler

Mary Jane Detweiler, wife of the late Richard C. Detweiler, sixth president of Eastern Mennonite University, died Dec. 1 at Dock Terrace Nursing Home near Lansdale, Pa., at age 79.

Mrs. Detweiler served with her husband in Harrisonburg when Richard was president from 1980 to 1987. After the couple returned to Pennsylvania, Richard directed a pastoral training program for the Franconia and Lancaster Mennonite conferences. He died Sept. 23, 1991 at Sellersville, Pa. at age 66.

A native of York, Pa., the former Mary Jane Rudy earned a bachelor’s degree in secondary education from Penn State University and was a teacher and principal in Maryland. After marriage in 1953, the Detweilers went on to serve pastorates at Perkasie and Souderton Mennonite churches. Richard also was founding principal of Christopher Dock Mennonite High School, Souderton.

Detweiler is survived by one son and two daughters and their spouses, three brothers, two sisters and seven grandchildren.

Memorial services were held Dec. 4 at Souderton Mennonite Church and Dec. 5 at Dock Woods Community Chapel.