Mary Elizabeth “Dolly” Spence, 93, of Quarryville, entered into rest on April 30, 2018 at the Quarryville Presbyterian Retirement Community, where she had been residing. Dolly, as she was lovingly known, was born and raised in New Danville, PA and was the daughter of the late J. Lloyd and Elizabeth (Greider) Harnish. Her husband, Richard C. Spence had passed away in 2006. Dolly attended the former Harmony Hall, a one-room schoolhouse. She graduated from what is now Penn Manor High School and earned an associate’s degree from Elizabethtown College in their secretarial program. Following college, Dolly married and began raising a family. Once her girls were school age, she was employed by the Solanco School District where she was a secretary for several elementary schools. She finished her career as a librarian at Bart-Colerain. After retiring from the school district, she began working at the Quarryville Library. Dolly was thrilled to be a part of the transition from the original location to the brand new facility on Buck Road. She continued working there until her retirement at the age of 88. After her retirement, she continued her work at the library as a volunteer for several more years. It was like a second home to her, and she was well known as the face of the Quarryville Library. Dolly was an active long-time member of Memorial United Methodist Church in Quarryville, where she played the piano for 65 years, accompanying the choir and services. She also used her musical gifts to accompany her daughters and others in the community. Dolly was a member of the Eastern Star #446 and served as their organist for many years. In her later years while she lived at QPRC, she played for the chapel services.
As an accomplished seamstress, she made clothes for herself and her daughters, as well as curtains, draperies, slipcovers and many other decorations for her home. Her interest in cooking and baking secured her a job as a food columnist for “Lancaster Farming Newspaper”. Her family was treated to the many recipes she tested for the column, and she was also famous for “Aunt Dolly’s Sugar Cookies”. Dolly enjoyed counted cross stitch, punch needle and other needlework; and in the last several years, coloring was her favorite hobby. Many pages she colored are displayed at her church and she influenced many others to start this hobby. Dolly is survived by her daughters, Cathy J. (Rich Smith), Debby Spence (partner of Steve Spadafore) and Patricia Esham; four grandchildren, Brian Smith, Betsy Trimble, Matthew Esham, and Michael Esham; 14 great-grandchildren; and a sister, D. Anne Weaver (Glenn). Dolly was preceded in death by her son, Larry Richard Spence and brothers, Carl and J. Lloyd Harnish, Jr. The family would like to express their sincere thanks to all the staff at the Quarryville Presbyterian Retirement Community, especially the folks on 1 Center for all their love and care. A celebration of Dolly’s life will be held at Memorial United Methodist Church, 101 S. Hess St., Quarryville, on Saturday, June 2, 2018 at 11:00 am. Friends will have an opportunity to visit with the family at the church from 10:00 until 11:00 and also immediately following the service. Interment will be private. Kindly omit flowers. Memorial contributions may be made in Dolly’s memory to the Quarryville Library, 357 Buck Rd., Quarryville, PA 17566; or to the music ministry at Memorial United Methodist Church, 101 S. Hess Street, Quarryville, PA 17566. Please note “Dolly Spence” on the memo line of your check. The arrangements have been entrusted to Dewald Funeral & Cremation Services in Quarryville. To sign the online guestbook, please visit www.dewalds.com Comments are closed.
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