People are more important than possessions, and spending time with people is more important than anything else.

It was a creed by which Mabel Guthrie, of Ross, lived.

"She could go into a room with 10 strangers and come out with 10 new friends," said her son, Michael Guthrie, of Ross. "My dad and my brothers would say that mom's hobby was collecting friends, and it was the truth."

Mrs. Guthrie died last Thursday. She was 73.

She had spent more than 20 years working as a teacher's aide with special-needs students. During her career, she worked at the Allegheny Intermediate Unit, Mother of Sorrows School and North Allegheny School District.

"Prior to that, she worked with a group of people who started a recreational program for the mentally retarded in the 1970s," Mr. Guthrie said. "Mom always loved working with children. She had a passion for it, especially those who had special needs.

"... She would bring them into our home. In spite of the fact that there were five of us kids, there was always room for more," Mr. Guthrie said.

Mr. Guthrie said many of the children she worked with did not have families, so Mrs. Guthrie would bring them to her house, especially during the holidays, so they wouldn't be alone.

"She has always believed that something wonderful could come out of these children," Mr. Guthrie said.

Many of her former students, some dating back 20 years, have been to pay their respects, he said. Over the years, others have looked her up to introduce their wives and children to her.

"To have had that kind of impact on someone's life is amazing," her son said.

Mrs. Guthrie was a charter member of the Cornerstone Church. She and 11 other people started the church in 1981.

"Their very first meeting together actually took place on Christmas 1980 in my mom's living room," Mr. Guthrie said. "If there was a mother to the church, it was her."

Mrs. Guthrie's faith transformed her life and the lives of those around her. She counseled church members and made thousands of meals for friends, families and strangers. Her faith and devotion made others seek her out, especially in times of trouble.

"Mom had a saying, and that was more important to be reconciled than to be right," Mr. Guthrie said. "That was something she shared with many people."

In her spare time, Mrs. Guthrie enjoyed collecting dolls.

She is survived by her husband of 56 years, Dwight J. Guthrie, of the Ross; sons The Rev. Dwight David Guthrie, of Gibsonia, Michael Guthrie, of Ross, and Darryl Guthrie, of McCandless; and a daughter, Diana Surgent, of Richland.

Also surviving are nine grandchildren and a great-grandchild, sisters and brothers.

She was preceded in death by her daughter, Debra Uber.

Services for Mrs. Guthrie were held Monday morning at Cornerstone Church, Cranberry.