Mary Jane E. (Gardiner) Sterling

Mary Jane E. Sterling, 76, of Summit Hill and formerly of Lehighton, passed away on Monday, July 26, 2021. Born in Summit Hill, she was the daughter of the late Peter and Mary (Knittle) Gardiner. Prior to retiring, she was employed as a sewing machine operator for the former Tom’s Sportswear Inc., Lehighton. Mary Jane was a member and organist at Ebenezer E.C. Church, Jim Thorpe, and she also did missionary work in Scotland. She was a Girl Scout Leader for several years, a piano teacher and played accordion in several local string bands. She was also preceded in death by two brothers, Peter and William Gardiner, a sister, Agnelamae Gardiner, and a granddaughter. Surviving are two sons, Arthur Jr., and his wife Tonya, of Andreas, and Edward, and his wife Stephanie, of Summit Hill; two daughters, Ruth Sterling, and her fiancé Eric Sheeran, of Kresgeville, and Karen Sterling, and her fiancé, Eugene Crostley, of Franklin Township; sister, Sarah Ann Yurkunas-Dalton, and her husband Jonathan, of Lehighton; eight grandchildren; two great grandchildren and nieces and nephews. A memorial service will be held at 12pm on Saturday, August 14, at Long Run Church of the Brethren, 2218 Long Run Rd, Lehighton, PA 18235, with the Rev. Joel Hershey and Rev. Nathan Kennedy officiating. Calling hours 11am-12pm. Private interment in GAR Cemetery, Summit Hill. Arrangements are being handled by the Hartman Funeral Home, 1791 West Penn Pike, Rte. 309, New Ringgold. Online condolences may be made at www.hartmanfuneralhomeinc.com.