Mary Jean Strock Rook, age 101, of Green Ridge Village, Newville PA, passed into Heaven on February 25, 2026, with her family by her side. She was born in Mechanicsburg, PA, December 21, 1924, a daughter of G. Weir and Rhoda Enck Strock, and widow of Marlin L. Rook.

    She is survived by four children, Marilyn Patterson, Arnold ( Cindy) Rook of Newville, Susan ( Robert ) Jacques of Carlisle, Anne ( Earl ) Kuhn of Walnut Bottom, and seven grandchildren and ten great-grandchildren.

    Mary graduated from Mechanicsburg High School in 1942 and Lebanon Valley College in 1946 with a B.S. In Music Education.

    “ My family has always been the love of my life! Music is a close second.” From her first piano lesson to singing in her church choir, she taught vocal elementary music in South Middleton School District for twenty-one years. After retirement, she directed the Happy Tones, a senior women's chorus, for twenty-five years with a total of 387 concerts. She also directed the First United Presbyterian Church Choir for over forty years. Mary especially loved choral directing and singing. “What a joy it has been!” Mary said.

    Mary is preceded in death by her husband Marlin Rook, her parents, two sisters Martha McMillen and Anna Strock, and brothers George, Robert, Ralph, Clair, Paul, and Clyde Strock, and son-in-law Jack Patterson.

    Besides music, some of her hobbies and activities included oil painting, quilting, sewing, creating church banners, gardening, and especially baking.

    While aging gracefully past 101 years, Mary maintained a close relationship with her grand- and great-grandchildren and could easily connect with them as they grew.

    She taught us to grow with grace!

     A Celebration of Life Service will be held at First United Presbyterian Church, 111 W. Big Spring Ave., Newville, PA Sunday March 1, 2026 at 2 PM, followed by a reception in Rhoades Fellowship Hall. There will be a private graveside service.

   In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Music Ministry of First United Presbyterian Church 111 W. Big Spring Ave. Newville, PA 17241