Ethel Mae Offner LaPlaca, a resident of Ann’s Choice in Warminster, PA, formerly of Yardley, PA passed away on Pentecost Sunday, May 19, 2013, filled with and guided by the Holy Spirit and embraced by her loving family. She was 79 years old.

A Catholic, who devoted her life to loving Jesus and her family, Ethel Mae married the love of her life, David S. LaPlaca, almost 57 years ago. Above all else, she felt she could make a difference in the world through how she raised her 7 children. She also leaves behind 19 beloved grandchildren and 1 great grandchild.

She was happiest when she was with her family whether at Mass, the shore, a baseball game, or a family celebration. She also loved reading and learning.. Ethel Mae brought the family together around the piano through song and music. Her love and influence touched the lives of many friends as well.

Her children are Mary Grace LaPlaca (Andy Leece) of Lansdale, PA; Paula LaPlaca (Dan Miller) of Pipersville, PA; Peter LaPlaca (Anne Stracka) of Glastonbury, Ct; Anne LaPlaca (Patrick Joe Slattery) of Doylestown, PA; Rose Marie LaPlaca Freed (Mark) of Berwyn, PA; Cecelia LaPlaca (Marcial Garcia) of Chalfont, PA; and David J. LaPlaca (Genoveva Alfonzo) of Tiburon, CA.

Born in New Orleans, LA, and raised in St. Louis Mo., Ethel Mae was the youngest of 5. Her parents, Walter and Elsie (Manion) Offner devoted their lives to St Anthony and sold The St. Anthony Messenger Magazine as their livelihood. Her parents’ unwavering love for Jesus and the voracious appetite for knowledge inspired Ethel Mae’s faith and curious nature.

Ethel Mae graduated from Webster College in St. Louis, Mo. where she studied Music and earned her degree in Elementary Education. She taught 2nd Grade in her younger years; later she taught English as a Second Language as a volunteer through V.I.T.A. She stressed with her children the importance of education which resulted in all 7 graduating from college. ?

She passionately applied her spiritual devotion to her Charismatic Catholic groups while the family lived in Clarendon Hills, Il. and while at St. John the Evangelist Church in Lower Makefield, PA. She served as the leader of the groups for many years. Her prayers for healing helped changed the lives of many people.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend her viewing from 6:00-8:00pm Tuesday, May 28th from the Joseph A. Fluehr III Funeral Home, 800 Newtown-Richboro Rd. (at Holland Rd.) Richboro and to her Funeral Mass at 11:00am on Wednesday, May 29th at the Cemetery Barn Chapel at the Shrine of Our Lady of Czestochowa, 654 Ferry Road, Doylestown, PA 18901.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Ethel Mae’s memory may be made to the Ann’s Choice Scholars Fund which provides college scholarships to high school students employed at Ann’s Choice. Checks should be made payable to “Ann’s Choice Restricted Fund.” In the memo section, please write “Scholars Fund in memory of Ethel Mae LaPlaca. Send to: Ann’s Choice Philanthropy Department 20,000 Ann’s Choice Way Warminster, PA 18974