Mrs. Mary Jane Bittle

Mary Jane Bittle, 84, Chambersburg, PA, passed away on July 14, 2026. She was born on June 16, 1942, in Chambersburg to the late Esther (Wallech) and Robert E. Bietsch. She graduated from Chambersburg Area Senior High School in 1960, received her bachelor's degree from Shippensburg State College, and her accredited Montessori certification from Temple University. Mary Jane worked as a Jacki Sorensen Aerobics Dance instructor, preschool teacher and administrator in various Chambersburg preschools, and was a Montessori School owner/teacher/administrator in the latter part of her career. Mary Jane was a member of the Beta Sigma Phi women's friendship organization. A lady of many interests, with her Christian faith and early learning for children being her main focus. She was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and sister. Mary Jane had a vision in the early eighties to provide unique educational and developmental experiences for children unlike anything else in Franklin County. To bring that vision to life, she started a Montessori School in the basement of an unused church on Scotland Road near CAMS North with one student, and from there, founded the Montessori School of Chambersburg. She saw herself as a teacher first and a Montessori School Administrator second. Surviving is her husband of 64 years, R. Harry Bittle, Chambersburg; sons: Russell (Catherine) Bittle, Martinsburg, WV, and Timothy (Angela) Bittle, Chambersburg; Twelve grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren with two on the way; and her sister, Anne (Joseph) Dalla Valle. She is preceded in death by a son, Jeffrey Allen Bittle, and a sister, Sandra J. Stevens. A Celebration of Life Service will be held on Saturday, July 25, 2026, at 12:00 p.m. in Grand Point Church, 2230 Grand Point Road, Chambersburg, PA. A time of visitation will be held from 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. prior to the service. A graveside service will be held on Saturday, August 1, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. in Parklawn Memorial Gardens, 3218 Philadelphia Avenue, Chambersburg, PA. Mary Jane's family wishes to advocate for her passion for the philosophy of Maria Montessori in her teachings; and the Chambersburg Area is grateful to Mary Jane for all she has done for the Montessori community. The family asks that, in lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Montessori Academy of Chambersburg's newly established "Mary Jane Bittle Scholarship Fund for Montessori Teacher Education," ensuring that her commitment to preparing future Montessori educators will continue for generations to come. Link for donations: https://secure.qgiv.com/for/mjbsffmte/ Condolences may be expressed at www.sellersfuneralhome.com.

Mrs. Mary Jane Bittle

June 16, 1942 - July 14, 2026