Mary Ellen KinchHersheyMary Ellen Kinch, 89, passed away on February 18, 2017 in the M.S.Hershey Medical Center.She was born on November 6, 1927 in York, daughter of the late John and Grace Budesheim of Seven Valleys. Mary Ellen was a graduate of West York High and Lebanon Valley College. She was a member of Holy Trinity Lutheran Church in Hershey.Mary Ellen is survived by son, Michael Kinch and his wife, Marie of Quarryville; daughter, Ann Miller and her husband, Todd, of Palmyra; son, Neil Kinch and his wife, Denise of West Chester; six grandchildren, Adam Miller of Palmyra; Eric Miller and his wife, Beth of Cornwall; Eileen Kinch and her husband, Joel Nofziger of Ephrata; Joanne Kinch of Willow Street; Patrick Kinch and Benjamin Kinch both of West Chester; and three great-grandchildren, plus another due in June. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Dr. Ray Lamar Kinch.Music played an important part in Mary Ellen's life. She was a private piano teacher in Hershey for 30 years and taught more than 200 students during that time. She was a member of the Hershey Community Chorus for over 25 years and was an accompanist for many of those years. She accompanied the Chorus during several summer European tours. A picture of Mary Ellen seated at the piano with the chorus is displayed in the Hershey Story Museum. Mary Ellen was also a member of the Hershey Federated Women's Club and was a past president. She also was the pianist for club sponsored music programs in the community and at various senior living facilities. Mary Ellen was a long standing member of the choir at Holy Trinity Lutheran Church and also played on the bell choir. In addition, she was a former organist and substitute organist.Another important part of Mary Ellen's life was Mt. Gretna. Mary Ellen and her husband and family enjoyed over 50 years of summer fun there. Mary Ellen and Ray were active in the Mt. Gretna community and served in leadership roles. Mary Ellen served on the Chautauqua Board of Managers for many years and retired in July, 2003. For five years, Mary Ellen was a "one person" committee, planning the Chautauqua Summer Programs and then continued on the committee with Kathy Erdman. Mary Ellen introduced book reviews and history programs and worked faithfully every year to schedule events that residents and people from surrounding communities would enjoy. In 1991, Mary Ellen played a major role in organizing the celebration of Founder's Day commemorating the 100th anniversary of the signing of the Chautauqua Charter. She also led the Chautauqua Centennial Celebration in 1992. She organized a bus trip to Chautauqua, N.Y. as part of that event. Mary Ellen was the pianist for the Chautauqua Sunday morning worship services in the Playhouse. She and Nancy Besch, who continues to serve as chancellor, together led the service for 25 years. In addition, Mary Ellen was on the original Cicada Festival committee and was responsible for suggesting the festival be named "Cicada". She served on the committee for many years. Mary Ellen was devoted to her husband and family. She was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, and great grandmother. She also enjoyed friends and played bridge in a club of the same friends for over 50 years. She will be greatly missed by her family and friends.A memorial service will be held on Friday, March 10 at 12 p.m. in the Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, 212 Cocoa Ave., Hershey, with visitation prior to the service, beginning at 10 a.m. In lieu of flowers, the family prefers memorial contributions be made to either: Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, Hershey Community Chorus; The Pennsylvania Chautauqua Foundation; or . Hoover Funeral Homes & Crematory, Inc., of Hershey, is handling the cremation arrangements.Send condolences via the online guest book at hooverfuneralhome.com