Mary E. (Groome) Votel, 90, of Gilbertsville, formerly of Philadelphia, wife of the late Edward L. Votel, passed away Monday April 28, 2025 at Laurel Nursing Home, Hamburg.
Born in Philadelphia, she was the daughter of the late William and Catherine (Deasy) Groome.
Mary was a member of St. Columbkill Roman Catholic Church in Boyertown and a former member of St. Matthew’s Roman Catholic Church in Philadelphia. She was an advocate for those with special needs. Mary was extremely generous to many different organizations. She Graduated from Hallahan Catholic Girls High School in 1952. Mary worked various jobs after high school until in 1976 she found her purpose working at The Arc of Philadelphia as an advocate for adults and children protecting their rights in education and promoting opportunities to enrich their lives. During her career she received many recognitions and awards for her work.
Surviving is her sons Robert J. Prochaska husband of Birgit, James J. Prochaska, and Marc F. Prochaska; 11 grandchildren; many great grandchildren; and sister Kathleen Groome.
Along with her husband and parents, she was predeceased by her daughters Mary K. Prochaska and Karen Natale; and brothers John, James, William, Jerry, Frank, and Joseph Groome.
A Funeral Mass will be held Wednesday May 7, 2025 at 10:30 AM at St. Matthew’s Church, 3000 Cottman Ave., Philadelphia, PA 19149. Burial will follow at Holy Sepulchre Cemetery, Philadelphia. Visitation will be held Wednesday from 9:15-10:15 AM at the church.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Mary’s memory to Sisters of Saint Francis 609 Convent Rd., Aston, PA 19014.