Mary Jane Knisel

KNISEL – Mary Jane, 90, New Germany, passed peacefully February 27, 2024, at home, surrounded by loving family.  Born November 21, 1933, in Summerhill, the daughter of Edward L. and Regina Mary (Bodenschatz) Werfel. Preceded in death by parents; husband, Walter J. Knisel, who died April 4, 2022; infant twin daughters, Mary Jean and Mary Joan; sisters, Violet Templeton and Irene Timura; and brothers, Walter, Gerald, Charles, and Clyde Werfel. 

Survived by children, Joseph, Mary Ann (Elwood) Adams, Rose Marie Penatzer, Ronald, Karen (Tim) Beyer, and Rita Mae Mason; 14 grandchildren;16 great grandchildren; one great great grandson; sisters, Lillian Pisarski, Carolyn Varner, Nora Mae Zebarth, and Marian Werfel; and brother, Edward Werfel. 

Mary Jane was a lifelong member of St. Bartholomew Catholic Church, Wilmore; and enjoyed fellowship with friends in the St. Anne Society. Family unity was her priority: to always love each other and “get along.” She lived a life of service, placing the needs of others before her own; and always ready to help anyone in need. Her kitchen was a gathering spot where we all laughed and made memories. Her hands, weathered by years of hard work, bore witness to the countless hours spent amidst the fields and gardens of “Stoney Acres.” A woman of simplicity and humility, her presence radiated warmth and kindness. And though small in stature, her heart was boundless, overflowing with love and compassion. Her eternal light will shine as a beacon of strength to all who knew and loved her. 

Friends will be received from 2 to 8 p.m. Friday at Charles O. Dimond Funeral Home, Inc., South Fork. 

Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11 a.m. Saturday at St. Bartholomew Catholic Church; Fr. Joseph C. Nale, celebrant. 

Committal, St. Bartholomew Catholic Cemetery, Wilmore. 

Special thanks to Windber Hospice for their kindness and care.