Mary Wheeler Steinman DeBarger passed away peacefully on July 19, 2010. She was the oldest of six children born to Evelyn Wheeler Steinman and Albert Frank Steinman. She spent her early life in Deposit, N.Y., graduating from Deposit Central School in 1931. She went on to the college of home economics at Cornell University, graduating in 1935. Following her training at Pennsylvania Hospital in Philadelphia, she became a registered dietitian. She joined the Women's Army Auxiliary Corps in 1942. While stationed at Mitchell (N.Y.) Air Force Base, she met her future husband, then Lt. Charles F. DeBarger. They were married on July 3, 1943, returning from their honeymoon to learn they had both been promoted to captain. Charlie's orders came through first, so he still out-ranked her.
They lived briefly in Fairfax, Va., Ithaca, N.Y., and Woodhaven, N.Y., but spent the majority of their lives in Springfield, Mass. Mary worked over the years in various dietetic and food management positions, retiring in 1977 from the home office of Mass. Mutual Life Ins. Co. They moved to Foxwood Springs Retirement Community in Raymore, Mo., in 1991, where they enjoyed many happy years.
Mary was preceded in death by her husband, her parents, her brother Albert Steinman and her sister Jane Powers. She leaves to mourn her loss, her three children and their spouses: David DeBarger and Jeanne Walls of Richmond, Va., Peter and Joyce DeBarger of Marlton, N.J., and Susan and Bill Brodine of Overland Park, Kan.; her sisters Sarah Harms, Christina Foltman and Evelyn Cook; seven grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren, and 15 nieces and nephews.
The family wishes to thank the staff at Foxwood Springs Care Center and Southern Hospice for their tender loving care of Mary. A memorial service will be held on Friday, July 23, at 10:30 a.m. in Bromwell Lounge at Foxwood Springs in Raymore. Interment will be at the convenience of the family in Hillcrest Park Cemetery in Springfield, Mass. Memorial contributions can be made to the Fellowship of John, which provides compassionate assistance to the residents at Foxwood Springs. (Arr.'s: Cullen Funeral Home, Raymore, Mo.) (816)322-5278