Mary Catharine Mulvihill

Mary Catharine Mulvihill, 94, passed away on Saturday, June 8, 2019. She had been residing at Maris Grove Retirement Community in Glen Mills, Pa., since 2008. Prior to Maris Grove, Mary Catharine and her husband, John J. Mulvihill, had lived, flourished and raised their family together for 53 years in Swarthmore.

Mary Catharine Berger was a 1942 graduate of Gettysburg High School. She attended Gettysburg College as a freshman, and then transferred to Penn State University, where she graduated in October of 1945 with a bachelor of science degree in medical technology.

After moving to Philadelphia in 1952, Mary Catharine received her master’s degree in microbiology from the University of Pennsylvania in June of 1954. She participated as a research assistant in the pioneering stages of cancer research. She continued to be involved, informed and knowledgeable in the sciences, and specifically microbiology, during her entire life. She returned to work at Delmont Labs in Swarthmore from 1984 to 1994.

During her lifetime in Swarthmore, Mary Catharine Mulvihill was actively dedicated to the life of the community. She devoted her time, skills and enthusiasm to support family, friends and educational opportunities for all — both in academics and in sports. Mary Catharine Mulvihill instilled in her family a lifetime of respect for learning both through continuing education and achievement.

She is survived by her four children: Marianne Larkin (James Simpson) of Gettysburg and Seattle, Dr. Beth Mulvihill of Barbados, Nancy Mulvihill (Clyde Boardwine) of Grants, N.M., and John Mulvihill (Sara) of Somers, Conn.; nine grandchildren: Taron and Alana Crouthamel, Brian and Meaghan Novi, Catharine Embrey and Patrick, Kelsey, Hannah and Connor Mulvihill; and one great-grandchild: Alexis Crouthamel.

The family is deeply thankful to all of the caring staff at Rose Court of Maris Grove and Willow Tree Hospice for their warmth, kindness and compassionate attention that they gave Mary Catharine. Also a big thank you to Ann Ferguson for her support and generosity.

Memorial Service

The Memorial Service honoring Mary Catharine’s life will be held on Friday, June 14, 10 a.m., at Maris Grove Retirement Community Chapel.

Contributions

Contributions may be made in honor of Mary Catharine Mulvihill: Maris Grove Scholars Fund, Maris Grove Office of Philanthropy, 200 Maris Grove Way, Glen Mills, PA 19342.

Please send remembrances or notes to the Mulvihill Family, c/o Marianne Larkin, P.O. Box 3023, Gettysburg, PA 17325.

Arrangements by Founds Funeral Services.