Mary Roberta Mendenhall

PLEASE RSVP to Betty Mendenhall Lynam at  bettylynam3895@comcast.net or at 770-754-0445

Mary Roberta (Bobbe) Mendenhall, 70, passed away in Camden, SC, on November 19, 2021.  She was the only child of the late Robert and Ida Mendenhall.

Bobbe grew up on Hillendale Farm, in Kennett Square, PA, and later attended James Madison University in Virginia.  After graduation, she returned to the farm and owned and raced thoroughbreds.    Her horses raced throughout Pennsylvania, Delaware, Maryland, and New Jersey.  Later, she established a business offering rehabilitation for horses.  She worked closely with New Bolton Center, the equine branch of the University of Pennsylvania Vet school.  Bobbe worked closely with many vets and vet students who now practice around the world.

After 58 years of living in Pennsylvania, she moved to Camden, SC, where she continued her work in Equine Rehabilitation.  During this time, as a result of her years of experience, she invented and patented a specialized hood for the purpose of dealing with equine eye injuries.  She developed and marketed this product under a partnership: Equine-Medi LLC.

Bobbe is survived by several first cousins, two devoted workers: Felix Caballero and Mitch McLain, close friends: Joe and Sandra Walsh, as well as many others who provided much support in her many endeavors.  We are thankful for the exceptional care she received at Kershaw Hospital.

You are invited to Bobbe’s graveside service at 11AM Saturday June 4th, 2022 at Longwood Cemetery 945 E. Baltimore Pike Kennett Square, PA 19348.  Her Life Celebration Reception will immediately follow the graveside service at Mendehall Inn 323 Kennett Pike, Mendenhall, PA 19357.  So we can best prepare for the reception, PLEASE RSVP to Betty Mendenhall Lynam at  bettylynam3895@comcast.net or at 770-754-0445.  Contributions in her memory may be made to Friends New Bolton Center C/O New Bolton Center, 382 West Street Rd. Kennett Square, PA 19348.

Arrangements are by Matthew J. Grieco of Grieco Funeral Home & Crematory, Inc. ( 484-734-8100 ) To leave condolences online visit www. griecofunerals.com

A word from Matt Grieco, celebrant for Bobbe's Life Celebration

Mary Roberta (Bobbe) Mendenhall was born in New Garden, PA on January 6, 1951.  She was the only child of Robert Townsend Mendenhall, Jr. and Ida DuPhorne Mendenhall.  She grew up in a historic home purchased by her grandfather, Robert Townsend Mendenhall.  How many of us have visited the cool farmhouse years ago? Her childhood was filled with many friends, and she enjoyed riding in the fields surrounding the farm. My mom, Katherine Turner, is here today and can also remember riding in those same fields.  We lived just across the way on a farm as well. It was in these early years that Bobbe developed her life-long love of horses.

After graduating from Kennett High School in 1969, she attended and graduated from James Madison University in Virginia.  She returned home with a BA in Education and did some teaching in the Kennett area.  With her father's encouragement, she soon became involved in managing the farm, as well as training and racing thoroughbreds.  She was a member of the Board at Delaware Park for many years.

After a time, Bobbe became involved with the New Bolton Center, the large animal division of the University of Pennsylvania veterinary school not too far from here in East Marlborough township.  The same hospital that cared for Barbaro a few years back.  It also happens to be where my first cousin, who lives on our family farm, is a research veterinarian.  Bobbe became an expert in rehabbing horses that had been discharged from New Bolton but still needed more care than their owners could provide.  She became especially adept at treating eye cases…table that skill set for the moment.

At some point about 10-15 years ago, after some of the protocols at New Bolton changed, Bobbe started looking at a move to a milder climate.  It triggered the need to sell her beloved farm.  As many of you may recall, selling the farm was not the easiest of tasks.  Let’s face it, most younger generations don’t appreciate the charm of an old farmhouse.  All they see is work.  I know, I grew up in one and I bought another 6 years ago...we love our farmhouse.  You may also recall that the property surrounding her farm was up for all kinds of development ideas.  A golf course was contemplated with 4-5 neighboring families including ours. Ultimately, the neighborhood Candlewyck was created and today surrounds Bobbe’s farm we once knew.  This was a tough time for Bobbe, I recall.  Both the development around her AND marketing and selling her farm.  She would eventually sell it and find her “milder climate” in Camden, SC.  During her time in Camden, she studied the issues surrounding the treatment of equine eye problems.  With input from a few others, she designed and developed a new hood which provided easier access to the eye and allowed more air circulation.  She patented the product and created an LLC, Equine-Medi, along with cousin Bette’s husband Ted Lynam who are both here today. This proved to be a successful venture and continues today.  As the story has it, Bette and Ted would visit Bobbe often over the years.  Bobbe knew from her years specializing in eye care for horses that the traditional horse eye enclosures caused more infection and problems than was necessary in her mind.  Even if you don’t know horses, we can all recall seeing the annoying fly issues these animals deal with, so Bobbe showed Ted the prototype of a new covering.  They found someone who had international manufacturing connections to take it to the next level.  Anyone who has taken an invention to market knows the hurdles.  Once Bobbe was committed, Ted was gracious enough to finance the project and become partners.   Today, due to supply chain issues, manufacturing in Taiwan etc., things are slow but hopeful.   Wholesaler and retailer Intrepid International, a company assisting Ted today, is getting there and Ted is working along with them while supply chain issues get worked out.  Ted, in honor and in fond memory of Bobbe, and for your hard work my friend, we hope and pray that Equine Medi is a roaring success in the months and years ahead and I’m sure we all want to hear about the progress!

Bobbe's care, compassion, and generosity extended throughout her life.  She cared for her father in his final years.  After his passing, she had a house built over her stables to provide a home for her Aunt Mary.  Bobbe also cared for a family friend, Arlene, as she aged.  When Bobbe moved to SC, she moved Arlene to a nearby assisted living facility in Camden, SC so she could be near her and still care for her as she was able.  She also had a deep love for all animals, not just her beloved horses.  In addition to her beloved jack russells, she maintained a revolving "menagerie" of birds, ponies, goats, a pig, and various cats who found their way to Bobbe's door.

Bobbe is survived by several first cousins; two devoted workers, Felix Caballero and Mitch McLain; close friends Joe and Sandra Walsh, as well as many others who provided much support in her many endeavors.  We are thankful for the exceptional care she received at Kershaw Hospital.

Bobbe will be missed but not soon forgotten.  You’ve done good Bobbe, may you rest in peace, my friend.