The Rev. Dr. Mary Matz died July 31, 2013, at Moravian Village, Bethlehem, after being ill for eight months. She was the wife of the Reverend Dr. William "Bill" W. Matz Sr. of Bethlehem.

Raised a Lutheran, she grew up in Havertown.

She was a graduate of from Grove City College where she earned a bachelor's degree. She later attended seminary and earned a Master of Divinity degree. She held a Doctor of Ministry degree from Drew University Graduate School of Religion.

A theological pioneer, she was the first woman to become an ordained minister within the Moravian Church in America, She was director of Christian Education at the First Presbyterian Church, in Athens, Ohio. She was an assistant pastor of Central Moravian Church, She was appointed as director of Educational Ministries, Northern Province of the Moravian Church. She was a vice- president of the National Council of Churches.

She was the author of two books, Ministry Together and Choices, Choices, Choices. She was a co-founder of the valley Lay Academy. She served on various committees and boards locally with the United Way, YWCA, Rotary International and New Bethany Ministries. She was a co-director of the Grand Camp at Camp Hope, in Hope, N.J.

In addition to her husband, she is survived by a brother, Charles of New Holland; two sons, attorney William "Bill" Jr. and his wife Cindy and Randall Charles and his wife Debbie of N.C.; and four grandchildren, Brandon, Ashley, Jennifer, and Chelsea.

Contributions may be made to the memorial fund of East Hills Moravian Church, 1830 Butztown Rd, Bethlehem, PA 18017.

Arrangements were made by Long Funeral Home Inc., Bethlehem.