Mary Rea Pipa, long-time resident of Elysburg, PA, died peacefully in the loving presence of family on January 21, 2025 in Davie, FL of complications from a stroke. She was 91.

First and foremost a devoted mother to seven children and beloved wife of Andrew M. Pipa, Jr., Mary Rea considered those roles to be as important as any paid professional career. A passionate tennis enthusiast, she also significantly contributed to the sport's growth in the region as a player, coach, tournament director, and promoter.

Naturally athletic, she grew up playing baseball and field hockey before discovering tennis in the 1970s. She quickly earned many local titles, but her passion for the game extended far beyond the court.

She and her husband helped bring indoor tennis to central Pennsylvania in 1975 as part owners of the Brookside Racquet Club in Shamokin Dam, PA.

In 1978, she co-chaired a committee to bring Billie Jean King to Bloomsburg University to raise money for the American Heart Association. Playing doubles with Billie Jean during the exhibition remained a special lifelong memory.

In 2001, she earned a gold medal with doubles partner Thelma McCandless at the National Senior Games in Baton Rouge, LA. She also earned two national silver medals and a bronze, plus won multiple gold medals at the Pennsylvania State Senior Games in softball and tennis.

Active in her community, she chaired the Ralpho Township Recreation Committee, and was instrumental in the first renovation of the municipal gymnasium and construction of two tennis courts and adjoining park.

She went on to coach varsity tennis at Danville Area High School for two decades, first for the girls' team and then also the boys' team, retiring in 2007 with six league titles and four unbeaten seasons.

Mary Rea lived life "out loud" and loved to sing full-throated from the front pew at church and broadcast inspirations such as "Trust God – She Provides" in bold letters on her station wagon. A loyal friend, she traveled and played with her tennis group The Pink Panthers, and was a member of a local card club for decades. She served as president of the Mother's Club at the former St. Edwards Elementary School, and worked at the Ralpho Township Public Library into her eighties.

Mary Rea Millard was born on December 2, 1933 in Harrisburg, PA, the third child of Benjamin and Harriet Millard. She was graduated from Hershey High School in 1952 and attended Elizabethtown College for one year, where she played field hockey.

She wed Andrew M. Pipa, Jr. on October 22, 1955, and they loved each other fiercely through 27 years of marriage until his death in 1982. She is survived by seven children, including Gwenn Bonnell of Davie, FL; Andrew C. Pipa of Puerto Rico; Michael Pipa of Harrisburg, PA; David Pipa of Santa Cruz, CA; Anthony Pipa of Silver Spring, MD; Kurt Pipa of Elysburg, PA; and Anne Anthony of Palm Beach Gardens, FL; fifteen grandchildren; and thirteen great-grandchildren.

A viewing will be held at 9 AM and funeral at 11 AM at Queen of the Most Holy Rosary Church in Elysburg, PA on January 30th, with interment afterwards at All Saints Catholic Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests gifts be made to Planned Parenthood in honor of her lifelong support of women's reproductive health or North Shore Animal League America in honor of her lifelong love of dogs and all the strays she took in.