Mary Ann Cantrell Obituary Dr. Mary Ann Cantrell (ne Elda) passed away on July 15, 2024, in Paoli, PA. Born on April 15, 1960 in Greensburg, PA, Mary Ann was a cherished wife and mother, and a beacon of kindness and dedication. Mary Ann earned a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Duquesne University where she was a member of Alpha Phi sorority, a Master of Science in Nursing from Villanova University, and a PhD in Nursing from the University of Maryland. As a Professor and Director of the PhD Program of the M. Louise Fitzpatrick College of Nursing at Villanova, she dedicated her career to educating nursing students and research. During many years of pediatric oncology nursing with Childrens Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP), she became aware of the concern that former patients were not fully healed physically and psychologically. She focused her major research on care and outcomes following the diagnosis of childhood cancer through adulthood as survivors. Her findings contributed to better understanding and care of patients, and have been incorporated into nursing curricula and national guidelines. Mary Ann made a global impact on nursing education. Beyond her professional life, Mary Ann was an enthusiastic sports fan who passionately cheered for the Phillies and Eagles. She found solace and joy in her gardens, was an avid reader, and practiced yoga. Mary Ann was a loyal friend, always ready to listen and offer support and had a talent for bringing people together. She was known to be fiercely determined and was always impeccably dressed. She also cooked an amazing Thanksgiving dinner. Mary Ann is survived by her husband, Donald Gimpel; daughter Catherine (Jose Luis Benito-Perez) Ritchie; son Connor Ritchie; sister Janet (Richard) Karas; brother James Elda; sister-in-law Mary Beth Rudesyle and brother-in-law Brian Rudesyle; she also has many cousins, nieces and nephews; and is preceded in death by her parents, Mofalda and Guy Elda, and her sister, Cecilia Ungvarsky. The warmth, wisdom, and the gentle strength she demonstrated will be profoundly missed by all who knew her. In lieu of flowers please donate to the American Association of Cancer Research in Mary Anns memory. Visitation will be held on Tuesday August 6, from 9:00 A.M. to 10:00 A.M. followed by a Funeral Mass at 10:30 A.M. at St. Thomas of Villanova Church located at 800 E. Lancaster Avenue, Villanova, PA 19085. Services Visitation Tuesday August 6, 2024 9:00 AM to 10:00 AM St. Thomas of Villanova Church 800 East Lancaster Ave. Villanova, PA 19085 Funeral Mass Tuesday August 6, 2024 10:30 AM St. Thomas of Villanova Church 800 East Lancaster Ave. Villanova, PA 19085