Harder, Mary (1931-1962)

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1962 Jun 28 p. 3

Birth date: 1931

text of obituary:

Hospital Worker Suffers Fatal Burns

Menno Colony, Paraguay. — A largely attended funeral took place at the new Mennonite church here Sunday afternoon, June 10, as services were held for Mary Harder, head cook at the Loma Plata Hospital who was fatally burned in a tragic accident June 9. The large church could not hold all the mourners.

Miss Harder was tending the kerosene refrigerator, which was not working properly, when a dull explosion was heard. She came running out of the pantry with her clothing aflame, and in spite of quick help, was burned from her knees to her head. All efforts to save her life were in vain, and she died 12 hours later.

Nearly 31 years of age, she had served ably as cheif [sic] cook at the hospital for over eight years. Survivors include her parents, two sisters and four brothers.