Obituary of Mary McCalla

Mary Elizabeth McCalla, a member of an old Frankford family died at the age of 87 on Sunday July 28, 2013 at the Ambler Extended Care Nursing Home. She was a direct descendent of the Castor family for whom Castor Avenue was named. Mary was a naturally gifted artist, creative and quite adventuresome. She attended art school and became employed as a commercial artist. In later years she started up her own business. She did the interior designs and paintings for a variety of prominent restaurants which included the Smithville Inn, Casa Conti, and Picket Post.

Her creativity was reflected in her hobbies such as photography, poetry, writing, knitting and making her own jewelry.

She was very adventuresome, loved to travel and be outdoors, engaging in activities such as tennis, skiing, sailing, ballooning and biking. Mary was president of the Wissahickon Ski Club and led many ski adventures throughout Europe and the U.S. Her loving nature as well as her attention to detail and take charge personality resulted in many successful trips. She organized Cheltenham High School Reunions for her class of 1943 and was also a member and very actively involved in the Daughters of the American Revolution.

In 2006 Mary had a massive stroke which limited her to some of the more quiet activities at Ann's Choice Retirement Community in Warminster. She liked bridge, bocce ball, going to the theater, sharing moments with her care givers and being with friends and family. Mary and her family, (Scott, Jane, Krista and Rick Castor) presented a program to Ann's Choice about Frankford Philadelphia as a Circus Town in the 1800's. Mary always enjoyed being around people and truly valued her friendships.

Surviving are her two sons, Rick and Scott McCalla, daughter-in-law Jane (Scott's wife), and granddaughter Krista. Also there are many great and great-great nieces and nephews as well as cousins.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Mary's memory to the American Cancer Society toward research. Contact by calling 1-800-227-2345.