Laura Elizabeth Mcelwain

Laura Elizabeth “Aunt Laura” McElwain, 96, died February 14, 2016 at her home. Born November 29, 1919 in New Park, Laura was the daughter of the late Robert Carl and Golda (Wiley) McElwain. Laura earned her Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Education from Millersville University. She taught for over 40 years.She began her career at two one-room school houses, first at Seitz’s School, Springfield Township and then at the Potosi Schoolhouse. She then taught several grades at Gatchelville and Fawn Elementary Schools in the Southeastern School District, where she went on to become Principal. She retired to take care of her ailing parents. Laura was a life-long member of Centre Presbyterian Church, New Park, where she sang in the choir and taught Sunday school. “Aunt Laura” was a loving aunt who enjoyed cooking for her family, sewing, knitting, gardening, and especially loved playing with her nieces and nephews. She will be missed by her “little dog” Dixie. She is survived by her sister, Margaret Vinup; nephew, Daniel McElwain and his wife, Patricia; niece, Ruth Anne Snyder and her husband, Lloyd; nephew, Carl McElwain and his wife, Mary and her children Alicia Poff and Scott Miller; niece, Joan Vinup; nephew, Thomas Vinup and his wife, Pat; great-nieces, Kristina Wilt and her husband, Greg, and their children Wiley and Emma; Heather Houser and her husband, Scott, and their children Katie, Mason, and Allie; and Laura Snyder. She was preceded in death by her brother, Robert Wiley McElwain. Aunt Laura’s family would like to extend their deepest gratitude to Pam Moser for her gentle care of Laura over the last four years. A public visitation will be held from 11am to 12pm on Saturday, February 20, 2016 at Centre Presbyterian Church, 83 New Park Rd., New Park, PA 17352. The funeral service will begin at 12pm with the Rev. James L. Biller officiating. Interment will be in the church cemetery following the service. J.J. Hartenstein Mortuary, Inc., Stewartstown, is assisting the family with arrangements. Memorial contributions in Laura’s name may be made to Centre Presbyterian Church at the above address.