Mercer, PA - Mary Jane Cresswell, 97, of Mercer, passed away peacefully on Monday, May 4, 2026, at Avalon Springs.

She was born on July 15, 1928, in Clarks Mills to the late Joseph Vance and Mary I. (Montgomery) Partridge.

On Sept. 18, 1948, she married Ralph E. Cresswell, and he preceded her in death on Oct. 18, 1993.

Mary was formerly a member of Mercer Nazarene Church for most of her adult life and more recently attended Calvary Fellowship Chapel.

Mary went back to school and graduated in 1964 from Sharon High School and went on to earn her degree in elementary education in 1969 and her master's degree as a reading specialist from Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania.

She was a teacher at Grove City Area Schools for 22 years.

Mary was a member of the Pennsylvania Association for Retired Teachers.

Mary traveled extensively for education and mission trips.

Surviving are four children, Ralph E. (Linda) Cresswell in Woodhaven, Mich.; Judy Truesdell; Kathie Cresswell; and Mark J. (Carol) Cresswell, all of Mercer; five grandchildren, Vanessa E. (Kevin) Whitmarsh; Justin E. (Shiffon) Cresswell; Phillip E. (Sara) Cresswell; Catherine M. (Dan) McDowell; and Mark A. Cresswell; and five great-grandchildren.

Preceding Mary in death are her parents; husband, Ralph E. Cresswell; three sisters, Shirley Arnold, Ruth Partridge and Phyllis Hricik; four brothers, Joseph, Herbert, John and Rance Partridge; and son-in-law, Rick Truesdell.

CRESSWELL

Mary Jane, 97, Mercer.

Visitation: 10 a.m. to noon Thursday (5-7-26) at Calvary Fellowship Chapel, 1033 N. Perry Highway, Mercer, 16137.

Funeral service: Noon Thursday at the church, with Rev. Brock Henry officiating.

Burial: Mt. Washington Cemetery, Jefferson Township, Mercer.

Arrangements by CUNNINGHAM FUNERAL HOME Inc., 144 S. Pitt St., Mercer.