Obituary for Mary Carolyn "Bee" Goonrey (Boyle)
Mary Carolyn (Boyle) Goonrey “Bee”, of Camp Hill, PA, passed away on August 25, 2021. Born September 24, 1936, in Des Moines, Iowa, to the late Norma (Blish) and Lorrille James “Bud” Boyle, she grew up in the Midwest towns of Appleton, WI; Grosse Pointe, MI; Kankakee, IL; and Hannibal, MO, where she graduated from high school. She received her Bachelor of Arts degree from Hamline University, St. Paul, MN, with a major in Music and minors in Science and Theatre.
While in college, Bee was Editor of the HU Yearbook, The Liner, for two years, a member of the acapella choir, was active on and off stage in theatre productions, and performed her Senior Piano Recital. She also was the International Order of Kings Daughters and Sons Missouri Scholarship recipient to attend the Chautaugua Institution in New York.
After graduating from Hamline, Bee worked in Karlsruhe and Heidelberg, Germany for the civilian U.S. Army Special Services Division. Following that, she worked in Chicago, IL as Editor and Promotion Director for the Continental Casualty Insurance Company Intermediate Division; Sales Promotion and Public Relations for business research publisher the Dartnell Corp; and Public Relations Manager for the educational publishing firm Scott, Foresman, and Company.
She was School Relations Coordinator on the Education Committee of the Chicago Publicity Club for 3 years; listed in Who’s Who in Public Relations (Int’L); Secretary of the Evanston, IL Young Republicans; Secretary of the Park Ridge, IL Newcomer’s Club; Co-chair of the Greater Chicago Antiques Show and Sale; and on the Junior Board of the Northwestern University Settlement.
Bee was a founding member of the Maine Family Services and Mental Health Association Auxiliary, Maine Township, IL; Pres. of the Auxiliary and member of the Assn. Board of Directors.
After moving to PA, Bee co-chaired the formation of CV SERV (Cumberland Valley Special Education Resource Volunteers); was a past member of Parent Education Network (PEN), PARC, CPARC, ARC, and other special needs advocacy groups.
She co-chaired the Harrisburg Symphony Orchestra 2-day French-themed gala fundraiser, the 60th Anniversary celebration of the HSO, the formation of the Harrisburg Symphony Society, and was on the HSO and HSS Boards in various positions. She compiled the historical data used for the HSO 75th Anniversary celebration, and named the HSO Education fundraiser “Symphony Stroll”.
Mary shared a love of jazz with her brother and husband. She and Chuck enjoyed traveling worldwide, biking, playing tennis, and Bridge.
Bee is predeceased by her wonderful brother, Bruce J. Boyle, and daughter, Victoria Anne Goonrey. She is survived by her adoring husband of 57 years, Charles W. Goonrey; daughter Jennifer Forsberg (Mark); five wonderful grandchildren; and three special nieces and their families.
A memorial service will be held at the convenience of the family. Myers-Baker Funeral & Cremation Services, Camp Hill, has been entrusted with funeral arrangements. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Harrisburg Symphony Association, 800 Corporate Circle, Suite 101, Harrisburg, PA 17110.
While in college, Bee was Editor of the HU Yearbook, The Liner, for two years, a member of the acapella choir, was active on and off stage in theatre productions, and performed her Senior Piano Recital. She also was the International Order of Kings Daughters and Sons Missouri Scholarship recipient to attend the Chautaugua Institution in New York.
After graduating from Hamline, Bee worked in Karlsruhe and Heidelberg, Germany for the civilian U.S. Army Special Services Division. Following that, she worked in Chicago, IL as Editor and Promotion Director for the Continental Casualty Insurance Company Intermediate Division; Sales Promotion and Public Relations for business research publisher the Dartnell Corp; and Public Relations Manager for the educational publishing firm Scott, Foresman, and Company.
She was School Relations Coordinator on the Education Committee of the Chicago Publicity Club for 3 years; listed in Who’s Who in Public Relations (Int’L); Secretary of the Evanston, IL Young Republicans; Secretary of the Park Ridge, IL Newcomer’s Club; Co-chair of the Greater Chicago Antiques Show and Sale; and on the Junior Board of the Northwestern University Settlement.
Bee was a founding member of the Maine Family Services and Mental Health Association Auxiliary, Maine Township, IL; Pres. of the Auxiliary and member of the Assn. Board of Directors.
After moving to PA, Bee co-chaired the formation of CV SERV (Cumberland Valley Special Education Resource Volunteers); was a past member of Parent Education Network (PEN), PARC, CPARC, ARC, and other special needs advocacy groups.
She co-chaired the Harrisburg Symphony Orchestra 2-day French-themed gala fundraiser, the 60th Anniversary celebration of the HSO, the formation of the Harrisburg Symphony Society, and was on the HSO and HSS Boards in various positions. She compiled the historical data used for the HSO 75th Anniversary celebration, and named the HSO Education fundraiser “Symphony Stroll”.
Mary shared a love of jazz with her brother and husband. She and Chuck enjoyed traveling worldwide, biking, playing tennis, and Bridge.
Bee is predeceased by her wonderful brother, Bruce J. Boyle, and daughter, Victoria Anne Goonrey. She is survived by her adoring husband of 57 years, Charles W. Goonrey; daughter Jennifer Forsberg (Mark); five wonderful grandchildren; and three special nieces and their families.
A memorial service will be held at the convenience of the family. Myers-Baker Funeral & Cremation Services, Camp Hill, has been entrusted with funeral arrangements. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Harrisburg Symphony Association, 800 Corporate Circle, Suite 101, Harrisburg, PA 17110.