Mary Koch, formerly of Tamaqua and Mahanoy City, celebrated her 93rd birthday on May 18 surrounded by her friends from Zion Lutheran Church in Tamaqua.

Koch’s church family traveled to Seton Manor in Orwigsburg to spend time with the birthday celebrant.

Koch grew up in Mahanoy City, but moved to Tamaqua when she married her husband, Carl.

While living in Tamaqua, she was very active in the church, serving as a greeter and as a member of the Margaret Banning Bible class, married couples, Koinonia and the Nell crafters.

The birthday celebration included cake, ice cream and singing favorite songs and hymns, accompanied by Pastor Cindy White on guitar.

In addition to members of the church, the party was attended by Koch’s daughter and son-in-law, Carol and John Dietrich of Tamaqua; niece, Judy, and her husband Mike Rompilla of Bethlehem.