Gail Keely Trautwein

Gail Keely Trautwein, 70, of Pitman died Friday, August 3 surrounded by her family at her home after a courageous battle with brain cancer.

She was born May 31, 1942 in Philadelphia, daughter of the late R. Brooke Keely and June (Finch) Keely of Roxborough, PA. She was a 1960 graduate of Roxborough High School and a 1963 graduate of Millersville University, receiving a bachelor's degree in elementary education. Upon graduation, Gail taught at Penn Square School in East Norriton, PA, Eastbury School in Glastonbury, CT, and in the Colonial School District, before moving to Pitman where she taught for thirty-one years in the Tri-Valley School District. She also served as president of the Tri-Valley Education Association. A kindergarten teacher for the majority of her career, "Mrs. Trautwein" made a positive life-long impact on her students, encouraging them to live by the motto of The Little Engine That Could, "I think I can, I think I can." Always active in the community, Gail was a Girl Scout Leader for over 20 years, Cub Scout den mother, president of the Tri-Valley Charities, a church deacon and Sunday School teacher, and volunteered for the Mahantongo Valley Ambulance Association. Gail became an active world traveler, participating in adventures to Costa Rica, Hawaii, Panama, Egypt, Ireland, Peru, and Mexico.

Surviving are her husband of 48 years, Robert L. Trautwein, son Rob Trautwein and his wife Else, of Brownsburg, Indiana, daughter Leigh Hoffman and her husband Ben, of Trafford, PA, and son Brooke Trautwein and his wife Chris, of Harrisburg, PA; eight grandchildren, Sarah, Zu Zu and Liam of Brownsburg, Indiana, Keely and Zachary of Trafford, PA, Taylor of Valley View, PA, and Michael and Gregory of Harrisburg, PA; a sister, Carol Esterhai and her husband John of Spring House, PA.

In addition to her parents, preceding her in death was her sister, Barbara Loeb.

A memorial service and celebration of life will take place on Friday, September 7, 2012 from 6-10 p.m. at Benigna Creek Winery, 1585 Ridge Road, Klingerstown, PA.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions for a scholarship in Gail's honor can be sent to Wells Fargo Bank, 22 Forest Drive #2 Hegins, PA 17938.

The Stephen R. Rothermel Funeral Home, Klingerstown, has charge of the arrangements. To sign the online guest book please visit www.srrfh.com.