Cynthia Lois Mcelwain (Preston)

In loving memory of Cynthia Lois McElwain who entered into Heaven from her daughter’s home in Fawn Grove, on Monday, October 30, 2017 at 10:00 pm. She was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, aunt, niece and godmother. Viewings will be held 3 to 5 pm Sunday, November 5, 2017 and 10 to 11 am Monday at Centre Presbyterian Church, 83 New Park Road, New Park, PA 17352. A service will begin at 11 am Monday with Rev. James L. Biller officiating. Burial will be in the church cemetery. Cynthia Lois was the daughter of Mildred M. (Preston) Ziegler and Roy S. Ziegler. Born on November 25, 1924 in Shawsville, MD she attended Kirkwood School, a one-room schoolhouse, before moving to New Freedom, PA in 1936. She graduated from New Freedom High School in 1942. In 1946, she married the love of her life, Paul Allen McElwain. Upon saying their nuptials, they moved to the Norrisville, MD area and purchased the family farm. Known as Cynthia at work, she was employed by the U.S. Government at Aberdeen Proving Ground and Edgewood Arsenal in Maryland. A proud government employee she retired after working 37 years, 2 months and 26 days as a Personnel and Accounting Specialist in April 1982. Cynthia Lois was a member of NARFE (National Association of Retired Federal Employees), the Women’s Association of Centre Presbyterian Church, and supported many charitable organizations including For Sight and the Smile Train. She became an Honorary Deacon after being elected Deacon for many years at Centre Church. She started the flower committee at church where she made sure poinsettias and lilies graced the sanctuary for Christmas and Easter every year and beautified the church on Sundays with local flowers and those from her own gardens. Lois was a Sunday School teacher for twenty plus years, leader of Fawn Home Ec. 4-H club, Girl Scout and Cub Scout leader. Her most treasured memories were centered on her beloved family and church. A strong, independent, patriotic, religious, loving individual, she kept her family close to her heart and led by example. She and her husband managed the farm raising Black Angus cattle, shipping tomatoes to Cross & Blackwell and potatoes to Utz Potato Chip factory until his passing on June 23, 1973. She continued to manage the farm raising grains until her death.She enjoyed her flowers and large summer vegetable gardens where she spent many hours tending them.Teaching her grandchildren a strong work ethic, Grandma was often seen on her John Deere riding tractor and using her commercial weed eater around her home and farm. She loved these moments.She was often seen attending sports, community and church activities with her family and friends. Her grandchildren and great-grandchildren brightened her life like no other. Her grandchildren and great-grandchildren share Grandma’s love for music and her country. She is survived by her two daughters, Joyce Lynn McElwain Scott and Cynthia McElwain Welch; four grandchildren, Paul Walter Scott and spouse Jaime, Jamelyn McElwain Scott-Smith and spouse Paul, Hugh Allen Scott and spouse Marian, and Cameron McElwain Welch; three great-grandchildren Cayla Danielle Scott Smith, Lucas David Scott and Caroline Joy Scott; an Aunt Eva Winifred Dominick; god-daughter Candace Pierce and many nieces and nephews. Predeceased by two great-granddaughters, Grandma looks forward with envy to seeing Grace Helen Scott and Savannah Grace Scott. Memorial contributions may be made to Centre Presbyterian Church, at the address above. Her dedication to church and family and a strong faith in God will be her legacy.