Mary Elizabeth Straub

Mary Elizabeth Straub passed away Tuesday August 8, 2017 surrounded by her loving family at her home in Lansdale. She was 46.

Born in Philadelphia, PA, she was the daughter of Patricia (Gannon) Gara and the late John P. Gara, Jr. and the late Ann (Rainey) Gara. Mary is survived by her beloved husband John W. Straub and her cherished children Elizabeth Gara Kelley (James), John P. Straub, Luke Straub and Patrick Straub. Also surviving are her sisters Maureen Sparks (Richard), Maggie Hoeger (Martin), and Catherine Gara; her brothers John P. Gara, III and James Gara (Grace); grandchildren Ryan Kelley and Maeve Kelley; and several aunts, uncles and cousins.

Mary was a loving and dedicated mother to her children, a supporter of the Fragile X Foundation and strong advocate for her children affected by Fragile X. With the support of her husband and while raising her four children, Mary pursued a degree in nursing fulfilling her calling to care for others. Mary's compassionate and generous spirit extended not only to her family and friends but to those she cared for during her nursing career including children and their families at Children's Hospital.

Friends and family are invited to celebrate her Funeral Mass 12 noon, Monday, August 14, 2017 at St. Christopher's Church, 13305 Proctor Road., Philadelphia, PA where the visitation will begin at 10 AM. Interment will be private. In lieu of flowers, donations in Mary's memory may be sent to The D'Angelo Foundation, 969 Street Road, Southampton, PA 18966 or to www.thedangelofoundation.org .