Between the Pews: Faith, Envy, & Murder

Mary Jane Fonder was a 65-year-old woman living in Springfield Township, Pennsylvania. She was known to be a bit of a loner—socially awkward, emotionally fragile, and very involved in her local church, Trinity Evangelical Lutheran. But behind her reserved demeanor simmered a potent mix of envy and resentment, a hidden inner turmoil that would ultimately erupt into a shocking and tragic act of violence.

Join us for Between the Pews: Faith, Envy & Murder. In early 2008, a new face appeared at the church: Rhonda Smith, a 42-year-old woman looking for comfort and a supportive community after a difficult life. She quickly became a beloved member of the congregation, receiving support and attention from the pastor and others—attention that Mary Jane would grow to resent.

Sources

A life in prison, Bucks County Courier Times, Amanda Cregan, 1/17/2010., retrieved 6/23/2025.

Guilty: Jury says Mary Jane Fonder killed Hellertown resident Rhonda Smith, lehighvalleylive.com, retrieved 6/20/2025.

Love Me or Else by By Colin McEvoy and Lynn Olanoff

Murder suspect noted church killing on calendar, police say. PennLive.com, retrieved 6/20/2025.

Pastor says he asked Fonder to leave church, Unnerved: Testifies suspect's behavior upset him, even before shooting. tribunedigital-mcall, retrieved 6/20/2025.

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