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Mary Esther (Denman) Kaucher, 96, passed away on December 2 at home in Wyomissing.

She was the beloved wife of James E. Kaucher Sr., who predeceased her in 1987.

Born on December 29, 1920, in Mount Carmel, IL, Mary was the eldest of eight children of the late Elmer and Mary Denman. She often reminisced about the happy, simple life she shared with her family in Bloomington, IL, where the Denman home was always open to relatives, friends, servicemen, and anyone down on their luck.

She graduated from Holy Trinity High School and till the end of her life remained grateful to the Dominican Sisters for being excellent teachers and kind, caring women of faith. A lifelong Roman Catholic, she was a member of Sacred Heart Parish, West Reading. Previously she belonged to Holy Guardian Angels Parish, Laureldale, where she had been a member of the choir.

Although Mary worked at times as a telephone operator, retail sales clerk, and daycare aide, the full-time vocation she pursued with energy and devotion was that of wife and mother. She served as the humble, loving matriarch of a family of two children, five grand sons, seven great-grand children, and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Mary’s loyalty to important people in her life was an inspiration to all who knew her. She stayed in contact with a wide circle of family members and friends, many of whom lived far away from her. Her cards and notes, filled with tender and affirming sentiments, were treasured by her loved ones and old friends from many years ago. Her contact with family spanned several generations, including the children and grandchildren of deceased siblings.

One of her greatest gifts was that of being present to people who came to visit her. She was always eager to hear about their successes, empathize with their struggles, enjoy their adventures, and laugh at their stories. She found people infinitely interesting and would gladly give them all the time they needed to share whatever was on their minds or in their hearts. She was generous with her time, hospitality, and laughter.

Mary loved children and always welcomed any opportunity to hold a baby. As a fun and favored babysitter, she acquired superstar status among her five grandsons, who cherish many happy memories of good times spent with her through the years.

Individuals with intellectual disabilities, especially her sister Margaret Ann and grandson Matthew, held a special place in her kind heart. The care and affection she showered on them was a testament to her great storehouse of unselfishness, compassion, and love. For years she volunteered at the John Paul II Center for Special Learning, Shillington, where she enjoyed getting to know the wonderful staff and amazing students. She was among the school’s most ardent cheerleaders.

She is survived by two children: James E. Kaucher Jr., husband of Antoinette, Birdsboro, and Mary Deemer, wife of Richard, Wyomissing; five grandsons: Michael Kaucher, husband of Pamela, Joseph Kaucher, husband of Christal, Bryan Deemer, husband of Tasha, Adam Deemer, husband of Alaina, and Matthew Deemer; and seven great-grandchildren: Jennifer, Helen, and Andrew Kaucher, and Clara, Stella, Hazel, and Jasper Deemer.

Mary was predeceased by four siblings: Robert, Margaret Ann, and Thomas Denman and Rita Castro. She is survived by three brothers: William, Richard, and James Denman.

Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Wednesday, December 6, 2017, at 11 a.m. at Sacred Heart Church, West Reading. Burial will be in Gethsemane Cemetery. The family will receive friends and relatives on Tuesday, December 5, 2017, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Kuhn Funeral Home, 739 Penn Ave., West Reading.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to John Paul II Center for Special Learning, 1092 Welsh Rd., Shillington, PA 19607.