Mary Geraldine Nitsch Serviente, 80, of Carlisle, passed away on Friday, January 24, 2025, at UPMC West Shore Hospital, Mechanicsburg.  She was born on December 20, 1944, in Baltimore, MD and was a daughter of the late Norbert C. Nitsch, Jr. and Virginia (Hanauer) Nitsch.

Mary graduated from Trinity Prep School in Ilchester, MD, earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from the College of Notre Dame of Maryland and a Masters' degree from George Washington University.  Mary continued studies at Shenandoah University and Penn State Harrisburg.  Mary was honorably discharged as Captain with more than 10 years in the United States Marine Corps.  She earned the National Defense Service Medal.  She was a life-time Roman Catholic and currently a member of St. Patrick Catholic Church, Carlisle.  Mary worked for Dickinson College office of Off-Campus Studies, St. Patrick's Church as the organist and as a substitute organist for St. Joseph Catholic Church in Mechanicsburg.  She was the organizer, owner and first director of the Somerset Folk Harp Festival in New Jersey, organizer and coordinator  of the Cumberland Valley Harp Circle and was the assistant director of The Fly-Fishing Show.

She is survived by her devoted husband of 56 years Edward Barry Serviente, two sisters, Ann Marie Nitsch Price and husband William of Cockeysville, MD and Jane Nitsch and husband Gerry Cohee of Catonsville, MD, one brother Norbert C. Nitsch and wife Wanda of St. Augustine, FL and many nieces and nephews.  She was preceded in death by her grandfather Dr. Norbert C. Nitsch, MD of Rock Hall, MD.

A Memorial Mass will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, January 31, 2025, in the St. Patrick Catholic Church, 85 Marsh Dr., Carlisle with Rev. Chiedozie F. Ononuju  as the officiant.  A time of fellowship will follow the service at the church.  Burial will be later in St. Patrick Catholic Church Cemetery, Carlisle.  Memorial contributions may be made to St. Patrick Catholic Church or the Coastal Conservation Association or to the Chesapeake Bay Foundation.  www.EwingBrothers.com.