Mary H. Acker

Mary Harris Acker, 72, of Waverly died unexpectedly on Wednesday night.

Born in Long Beach California , she was the daughter of William L. and Isabella Harris Acker. Mary graduated from the Emma Willard School in Troy, New York and Bradford Junior College. She earned a BA in Education from Marywood College and a Masters in Education from Fairfield University.

Mary taught Junior High School Spanish in the Fairfield CT school system for nine years. In 1975 she joined her family business, Acker Drill Company, as a Sales Executive based in Sete Lagoas Brasil. Mary's fluency in both Spanish and Portuguese enabled her to gain many friends and business colleagues throughout Latin America. In the early 1980's she returned to the United States to be a caregiver for her mother and continued work in the Geotechnical Drilling business until her retirement in 2011.

Mary's passions in life were her nieces and nephews, and the charity work she did in Northeastern PA. At various times Mary served on the United Way Campaign Cabinet, and the Boards of The Waverly Community House, Keystone College, Johnson College, Telespond Senior Services, St. Francis of Assisi Kitchen, Employment Opportunity Training Center (EOTC), and as a Girl Scout Volunteer. One of Mary's great joys was to work at local activities such as the Artisan's marketplace at the Waverly Community House. Mary's success as an independent professional woman was inspirational to the young women she met.

Mary had a very wide circle of friends that knew her as "Molly", "Mary", "Maria", or just "Aunt Mary". She had a positive nature and upbeat attitude that brightened the lives of everyone she met. She loved life, parties and interacting with those around her. Mary was happiest when giving to others in need. She was a strong supporter for the protection of abused animals and in particular dogs.

She is survived by her brothers William L Acker and wife Patricia Pierson Acker and Warren T. Acker and wife Heather Moberg Acker, sister Christine Acker Haight and husband John M. Haight. Nieces and Nephews, Edith H. Stewart, Benjamin I. Haight, Laura H. Acker, Christine E. Acker, Nancy S. Acker, Warren W. Acker, Mary E. Acker, and great Nieces and Nephews Jack E. Stewart, Anne I. Stewart, Myles Haight, and Ainsley R. Haight.

The family would like to thank Dr. Michael Kondash, and the staff of the Pines for their compassionate care of Mary while she was in their care.

Friends may call at the Lawrence E. Young Funeral Home in Clarks Summit Sunday November 12 from 2 to 5 PM. Private interment on Monday November 13 followed by a Memorial Service at 11 AM at the First Presbyterian Church, School Street Clarks Summit, to be officiated by the Rev. William P. Carter.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the United Way of Lackawanna County, Telespond Senior Services, or charity of the donor's choice.