Mary Elizabeth (Kauffman) Nixdorf

YORK – Mary Elizabeth (Kauffman) Nixdorf, 96, passed away June 10, 2024 at York South Nursing and Rehabilitation. She was the wife of the late Darrell M. Nixdorf who died July 18, 2003.

Born May 12, 1928 in Lancaster, a daughter of the late Roy V. and Ida L. (Mack) Kauffman, she was a graduate of McCaskey High School and earned her Nursing Degree at Lancaster General. After graduation from Nursing school, she worked for the Lancaster County Visiting Nurses Association. In 1971 she started as a receptionist in radiology at York Hospital, then moved on to Technician. While still working at York Hospital she attended Gwynedd Mercy College where she earned a degree in Radiation Therapy. She then became Technical Director of Radiation Oncology and then retired as Assistant Center Director at Apple Hill.

Mrs. Nixdorf is survived by three sons, David S. Nixdorf of Noank, CT, Jeffrey L. Nixdorf and his wife Anne (Rupp) of Mt. Wolf, PA and John P. Nixdorf and his wife Beth (Gibbs) of York, PA; also two grandsons; Colin Nixdorf and fiance Kayla Arrell of York, PA and Connor Nixdorf and his wife Felicia (Mulé) of Morgantown, PA; and also a step grandson Corey Rupp and a step great-grandson Christian Rupp of York, PA.

As a small child, growing up in Lancaster, she was nicknamed “Snook” by her grandfather and father. This nickname stuck with her through her entire life. While attending McCaskey High School she was active in the band where she played saxophone, which is where she got her love of music.

She and her late husband Darrell enjoyed traveling through New England and also made many visits to Williamsburg where they renewed their wedding vows. Mary also volunteered for the York County Historical Society at the Gates House and Golden Plough Tavern. This work helped to foster her love for history and antiques, including weaving and redware pottery. Over the years Mary and her family cherished three Shetland Sheep Dogs (Shelties), which she loved dearly. She lived in the Fireside area of York for over 60 years and after she retired she enjoyed sitting on her patio with family and neighbors enjoying a tall glass of chocolate milk.

A private funeral will be held by the family. Heffner Funeral Chapel & Crematory , Inc., 1551 Kenneth Road, York, PA is responsible for funeral arrangements. Mary will be laid to rest at Prospect Hill Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Wellspan York Cancer Center at Apple Hill Medical Center, 25 Monument Road, York, PA 17403.

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