Mardell Rae Gunsalus

Mardell Rae Gunsalus, 83, of Bellmeade Manor died Friday at the home. She was born in Altoona, a daughter of the late Charles L. and Nellie (Wray) Gunsalus. Surviving are two sisters: Norma Knouse and husband, Sheldon, of Altoona, Sue Ann Reading and husband, Gerald, of Hermitage; seven nephews; 12 grandnieces and nephews; and her constant companion, her poodle, Nikki. Mardell was a 1945 graduate of Altoona High School, a 1948 graduate of Altoona Hospital School of Nursing, a 1956 graduate of Mayo Clinic School of Physical Therapy and a 1957 graduate of Sister Kenny Institute of Physical Therapy in Minneapolis. During her working years, she was a nurse, then a registered physical therapist. She retired from Mercy Hospital as director of physical therapy and rehabilitation. Since 1959, she was a member of the Clearfield and Altoona Business and Professional Women, where she was a former president and district director. In recent years she was active in the Altoona Chapter of American Sewing Guild, serving on the advisory board for many years. She was past president of the Clearfield Junior Women's Club Chapter and a board member of Home Nursing Agency, Blair County, and co-chairwoman of Mothers March of Dimes in the 1960s. Her hobbies included collecting coins, stamps, dolls and ceramics, and she enjoyed sewing, traveling and watching the Pittsburgh Steelers. Friends will be received from 11 a.m. until 1 p.m. Monday, March 14, 2011, at Mauk & Yates Funeral Home Inc. (www.maukandyates.com), where funeral services will be held at 1 p.m. Monday, with Pastor Paul Pease, officiating. Interment will be at Alto-Reste Park Cemetery.