Obituary of Mary Edyth Montgomery

On April 28th 2013, Edyth Montgomery, affectionately known as "Mrs. Mont," age 86, went to "That Schoolhouse in the Sky." Born at home in National Park, NJ, she was the daughter of the late John and Frances (Kenny) Williams and was a New Jersey resident all her life, living in Pennsville for 55 years. She moved to Chalfont, PA in October 2008 after her beloved husband, Gene, of 59 years, passed away. She attended St. Mary's Elementary School and graduated from Gloucester Catholic High School in 1943. She is survived by four devoted children and their spouses: Gene Jr. (Carol) of Baltimore, MD; Kevin (Connie) of Park Ridge, IL; Mark (Irene) of Grinnell, IA and Shawn (Michael) Kershaw of Chalfont, PA. She also leaves behind five loving grandchildren: Mary, Erin, Amanda, Kurt, and Gibrilla. Additionally, she leaves behind her dear friend and part-time care giver Kathy Streitz of Pennsville, NJ. An excellent student in high school, Edyth's dream of college was not fulfilled until 1960, when, at age 34 with four children under nine years old, she enrolled as a full-time student at Glassboro College (Rowan University). She graduated as an English major in 1964 and began her educational career at Pennsville Memorial High School, where she taught English-11 for 26 years and advanced composition to college-bound seniors for 21 years. She earned her master's degree in English in 1973. She retired in 1990. Countless PMHS students treasured Mrs. Mont. Her guidance, generosity, and impact on her students and the PMHS community is immeasurable. She was advisor to two classes, class of 1970 and the class of 1973, and has stayed involved with them and all their reunions to date. She was named Pennsville Memorial High School teacher of the year in 1987 and received the PMHS alumni award in 1992. In 1996, she was named Salem County Woman of Achievement by the Salem County Commission on Women. Edyth was active in Salem County Retried Educators Association, serving as president from 1996 - 2000. Her lively monthly book discussions and journaling courses were a favorite for members of the Salem County Library Commission, Memorial Hospital Senior Circle, and Pennsville Friends of the Library. She was also a member of Delta Kappa Gamma International Society for Women. Gene and Edyth shared their love for each other and adventure by traveling extensively, visiting 29 countries six continents. They also visited Gene's beloved Hawaii seventeen times. All who know her loved her. She will be sorely missed. Services are under the direction of John Laughrey Funeral Home, Pennsville, NJ 08070. The family will receive condolences on Thursday, May 2 from 7-9 PM. The funeral mass will be held on Friday May 3rd at 10 AM at Queen of Apostles Church on Broadway in Pennsville. In lieu of flowers, a donation fund is being established as the "Mrs. Mont Pursuit of English Excellence Scholarship. " This will be annually awarded to a college -bound PMHS student pursuing a career in English Education. Please mail donations to "Mrs. Mont's Scholarship" at 109 Peggy Lane, Chalfont, PA 18914.