Mary Cheesman
Obituary
In Memory of

Mary Cheesman

1934 - 2023

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Obituary of Mary Cheesman

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Mary Harris Cheesman

 

Mary Harris Cheesman of Yardley, PA passed away on Saturday November 18, 2023, at Jefferson Bucks Hospital. She was 88.

 

Mary was born and raised on the family farm in Lower Makefield Township, PA with her 11 siblings. She was a daughter of the late Joseph C. and Lillian Brelsford Harris.

 

Upon graduating from Pennsbury High School, Mary began work at Princeton University in data processing. In 1971, she and her sister, Ruth Saxby, founded the “Charcoal Steaks and Things” restaurant along River Road in Yardley. Mary and Ruth developed a loyal following for their popular business over the years. In 2000, Mary and her daughter, Shirley, began operating “The Squirrel’s Nest” in Morrisville for 21 years. She also made time to pursue her interest in ceramics. Mary was devoted to her husband, daughter, and large extended family and will be remembered by all for her welcoming smile and friendly manner. She will be dearly missed.

 

Mary was the wife of the late Elmont Cheesman, sister of the late Betty Sayko, Hazel Manness, Joanne Cadwallader, Louise Metzger, Doris Borden, Barbara Wallace, and Ruth Saxby, and grandmother of the late Jamie Beighley.

 

She is survived by her daughter, Shirley Beighley, her brothers, Joseph C. (Cheryl) Harris, Jr., Charles (Francine) Harris, and Jimmy (Doris) Harris; her sister, Ann (Jack) Rusnak; grandchildren, Ronnie Beighley and Jackie (Joe) Stephens; 7 great grandchildren, Tommy Barats and his partner, Brenda, Jaivan, Evan and Jamieson Smith, Austin Chapman, Rhyatt and Zayne Stephens; 1 great great granddaughter, Nevaeh Barats, and many nieces,nephews, and friends.

 

Friends may call from 5pm to 7:30pm on Thursday, November 30, 2023, at the FitzGerald-Sommer Funeral Home, 17 S. Delaware Avenue (River Road), Yardley, PA, with a funeral service at 7:30pm. Burial will be on Friday December 1, 2023, at 11am at the Washington Crossing National Cemetery, 830 Highland Road, Newtown, PA.

 

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, give2.chop.edu, or to breast cancer research.