Louisa Joyce Marshall, 76, Altoona, quietly slipped away to join the Church Triumphant early Monday morning.
She was born in Connellsville, PA, daughter of the late Allison Richard and Bernice (Knight) Marshall.
Louisa is survived by a brother, Thomas J. Marshall of Birmingham, AL; a niece, Janette D. Marshall of Birmingham, Al; four nephews: John R. Marshall of Marietta, GA, James T. Marshall of Chicago, IL, Frank A. Marshall of Camp Hill, PA, and Robert W. Marshall of Summit Point, WV; and four great nieces and nephews. Also she is survived by good friend, Donna Jean Foster.
She was preceded in death by a very dear friend with whom she shared a home, Ida Ficker.
Louisa graduated from Penn State University with a Bachelor of Arts degree and went on to earn her Master of Arts degree at Pitt University. She began her teaching career at Wilkinsburg High School, but in 1967 became a Professor of English at Penn State Altoona, a position she held until retirement in 2000. She became known fondly as that strict teacher who could make students actually enjoy learning, even English grammar and Shakespeare.
Louisa was active in church work, serving on Church Council and various committees, including an earlier call committee. She has been a faithful member of WELCA for many years and sang alto in the church choir.
She was an avid football fan, particularly Penn State Football and Joe Paterno, but never hesitated to disagree with a call, sometimes quite vehemently. She was adept at analyzing plays and knowing the players' strengths and weaknesses.
Louisa loved to tell stories, especially those that made people laugh. She was well known for her ability to mimic any speech pattern she heard. She has been active in the Altoona Storytellers' League for many years, putting her talents to good use.
She was happiest when discussing ideas of all kinds, whether religious, political, or topics from movies, books, plays, television, or the daily news.
Pets were particularly important to her, starting with her earliest dog Bing and extending to her beloved Shih Tzu’s, Peaches and Ginger, now deceased, and the new love of her life, Phannie Grace.
Friends will be received from 4 to 6 p.m., Friday, May 13, 2016 and from 10 until the 11 a.m. funeral service, Saturday, May 14, 2016 at Mauk and Yates Funeral Home, Inc., 719 N 4th Avenue, Altoona, Pastor James Rill officiating. Interment will be at Green Ridge Memorial Park, Connellsville, PA.
Donations in Louisa's name may be made to St. James Evangelical Lutheran Church, 1407 8th Avenue, Altoona, PA, 16602.