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Wilhelmina ‘Billie’ (Kaupe) McKinley Mazza

Wilhelmina “Billie” (Kaupe) McKinley Mazza, 83, of Lewistown, passed away Sunday, Jan. 29, 2023, at Greenwood Village, and was forever released from the insidious grasp of Alzheimers disease after 15 years of decline.

She was born May 7, 1939, in New York City to the late Arthur F. Kaupe Sr. and Myrtle (Kiefer) Kaupe.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by: her cherished husband, Robert R. “Vince” Mazza, Dec. 6, 2020; children, Scott William McKinley and Kathleen Marie McKinley; brothers, Arthur F. Kaupe Jr., Roy Kaupe and Paul Kaupe; and stepson, Vincent L. Mazza.

Billie is survived by: sons, Brian McKinley, of N.J., and Kevin McKinley, of Va.; granddaughter, Aliyah McKinley of N.J.; stepdaughter, Tina L. Campbell and husband, William T. Sr., of Lewistown; stepgrandsons, William T. Campbell Jr., of Lewistown, Steven A. Campbell, of Harrisburg, Vincent Mazza Jr., of Lewistown, and Roberto Mazza, of Lewistown; sister, Carol E. Quinn, of Reedsville; sister-in-law, Betty Kaupe, of Pittsburgh; and many nieces and nephews.

She was a graduate of Sullivan High School in Chicago, Class of 1957. She received her bachelor’s degree in 1961 from Northwestern University in Evanston, Ill. and taught high school mathematics until she began having children. In 1980, she married her husband Vince and moved to Jersey Shore.

After teaching there for several years, Billie became frustrated with the poor math preparation her students were receiving at the elementary level. She began commuting to Penn State University, where she earned her master’s degree and did all but her thesis for a doctorate in elementary math education. After returning to Lewistown, Billie was employed by the Mifflin County School District as a mathematics instructor until her retirement. After retiring she did some substitute teaching and tutoring.

Billie loved knitting, tatting and reading, which were just a few of the many things Alzheimer’s stole from her in her later years. Although she is dearly missed, her family is comforted that she is finally at peace.

A viewing will be held from 11 a.m. to noon, Saturday, Feb. 11, 2023, at Heller-Hoenstine Funeral Home, 108 First Avenue, Burnham, followed by the funeral service, with Pastor Randy Traxler officiating.

Interment will take place at Birch Hill Cemetery, Burnham.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Wilhelmina’s memory may be made to: Alzheimer’s Association – Greater Pennsylvania Chapter, 2595 Interstate Drive, Suite 100, Harrisburg, PA 17110.

Online condolences may be offered to the family at www.hellerhoenstinefuneralhome.com.