Marie Gradwell

Marie Gradwell, 88, of Upper Macungie Twp, passed away on March 9, 2026 surrounded by family and loved ones. She was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and friend who always loved to laugh and have fun. She was the high school sweetheart and committed wife of E. Gordon Gradwell, Jr., with whom she shared many wonderful years until his passing in 2009. Born in Frackville, PA, she was the daughter of the late Joseph M. and Mary (Kupcha) Snitzer and sibling to sisters, the late Helen (John Stair) and the late Anna and to her brother Joseph. Marie fondly told stories about helping her father in the projection room at the Frackville Movie Theater and working the telephone lines at Bell Telephone. Later, she was secretary for her husband’s insurance business and assisted in the early years of Scott A. Gradwell Periodontics. She made her home in Kay Brook Manor in Kuhnsville. She was a member of Bethany United Methodist Church of Allentown and often attended First Presbyterian Church of Allentown with her family. Marie raised two sons, Scott and Keith and was actively involved in their lives and community activities. She was an active leader in Scouts, USA and the Orchard View Swim Club. She was a talented ceramicist whose pieces are treasured by many. Later in life she joined a senior swimming group at the YMCA with whom she shared many laughs and lunch outings in addition to pool time. Her greatest joy, however, was being MomMom. She was a fun and energetic grandmother to whoever needed a Hallmark card sent for a rainy day, a night of ice cream and scary movies, or just a big hug and some “schnookums.” Survivors: Son: Dr. Scott A. Gradwell and his partner George Pirotcchi of Breinigsville, Daughter-In-Laws: Suzanne Gradwell of Kutztown, Eileen I Gradwell of Allentown, Grandchildren: Ashley Frost and her wife Paige, Sean A. Gradwell and partner Kelsey Edwards, Lauren A. Gradwell and her husband Cory Hobson and Kyle T. Gradwell; Great-Grandchildren: Hugo Hobson and Atlas Frost and many others who proudly claimed her as their MomMom too. She was preceded in death by a Son: Keith P. Gradwell A funeral service will be held on Saturday, March 14, 2026 at 10 A.M. at the First Presbyterian Church of Allentown 3231 W. Tilghman St. Allentown. A calling hour will be held on Saturday, from 9 A.M. to 10 A.M. in the Church. Arrangements by the J.S. Burkholder Funeral Home, Allentown. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in her memory to: Lehigh Valley Hospice-Lehigh Street or Bethany United Methodist Church of Allentown