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Mary Poe Obituary
09-24-1933 - 04/25/2020
Mary Ellen (Henning) Poe of Lehighton passed away after a short illness unrelated to COVID-19 while on vacation in Arizona, April 25, 2020. She was the loving wife of Dale T. Poe who preceded her in death in 2019.
Born September 24, 1933, in Stroudsburg, she was the daughter of the late Victor and Hazel (Resh) Henning.
A 1951 graduate of Stroudsburg High School, Mary Ellen later received a bachelor's degree from Bloomsburg State College in 1955. She taught business education and coached cheerleading at Lehighton Area High School for 30 years, retiring in 1987.
Mary Ellen was dedicated to her community. She served as the President of the Carbon County Arthritis Foundation and was a co-leader and trainer for the Arthritis Self-Help course. She also served on the Board of Directors of Gnaden Huetten Memorial Hospital from 1984-2004, where she was the Chairman of the Board 2000-2004. Later, she served on the Board of Directors of Blue Mount Health System and was its secretary from 2004-2009. For many years she volunteered and helped to run the gift shop at the Hospital. She served on the Board of Directors and was the Treasurer and a Tutor for Carbon County Volunteers for Literacy and was the Treasurer of the Carbon County Chapter of Pennsylvania Association of School Retirees from 1987 to 2000. In addition to her volunteer work in Lehighton, she served on the Board of Directors for the Lehigh Valley Hospital 1987-1993. Along with her husband, she volunteered at Quiet Valley Living Historical Farm. Mary Ellen was an advisor to the Future Business Leaders of America from 1971 to 1986 and was named the Pennsylvania Advisor of the year in 1983. Additionally, she was the author of two published children's stories.
She is survived by her brother-in-law, Alan Poe and his wife, Frances, of Port Jervis, N.Y., her sister-in-law, Marilyn Poe of Jim Thorpe; 13 nephews and nieces, and many friends, especially her good friends, Bill and Lynette Rehrig, and Sally Seip. In addition to her husband and parents, she was preceded in death by her brother, Arthur Henning, and her sister, Ruth Shook.
Services will be held privately at the convenience of the family.
Contributions may be made in her name to the Lehighton Education and Athletic Foundation (LEAF), 1 Indian Lane, Lehighton PA 18235.
Andrew P. Ovsak Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Inc.
190 S 4th St., Lehighton, PA 18235
ovsakfh.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Mary Poe
Sponsored by Andrew P. Ovsak Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Inc..
Sue Rhoads-Procina
May 13, 2020
Mr. & Mrs. Poe were a huge influence on the person I am today. I spent many hours in the business rooms at LHS. When school was out there was more time with Mrs. Poe during band front practice. She was a very caring person. I will miss bumping into her at Giant and Walmart, when she always asked about family and friends. Rest in peace Mrs. Poe. You have been reunited with Mr. Poe in a much greater place than the one you left.
Mary Arieta
May 13, 2020
So sorry to learn about the passing of M.E. She was a remarkable woman, who touched so many lives both in the classroom and in the community. I will always be grateful that I had such a great mentor when I began my teaching career at Lehighton Area High School. She did so much for LAHS, the Business Department, and the community. She will truly be missed, but now in heaven with Wimp. RIP
Pennie Snyder-Mager
May 13, 2020
"The mediocre teacher tells. The good teacher explains. The superior teacher demonstrates. The great teacher inspires." - William Arthur Ward
I am forever grateful that Mrs. Poe inspired me more than any other teacher I've ever had and gave my life direction.
Jeanette Binder
May 12, 2020
Mrs. Poe was a great influence in my life. I fondly remember our trip to Texas in 1985. She was such a great person both in education and in the community and will be missed. Rest In Peace.
Xandria Ahner
May 12, 2020
May you Rest In Peace Mary Ellen. You have been an amazing influence on many peoples lives, including my own. Like many others, I wouldnt be the person I am today without your dedication to others. My deepest sympathies to all her past students, friends, and family. She will be missed dearly by many.
Mary Lewellyn
May 12, 2020
I saw the obituary in the TN last night and was surprised. I guess I just expected her to live forever. My VERY favorite teacher and over the years she always had a smile and time to talk when we crossed paths. My heart says that the world was a better place with her in it and things won't be the same when I go into the diner and don't see her. Rest In Heavenly Peace with the love of your life - together again. I will never forget you♥
Doris Ripkey Romanisko
May 12, 2020
She was a remarkable educator. I owe 47 years of careers to her and the rest of the LAHS Business educators.
Karen Friebolin
May 12, 2020
To the family, May she rest in peace.
May 11, 2020
Friends and Relatives
I know M.E. has found peace and has been reunited with your beloved Wimp.We spoke and visited in November and relayed to each other just how hard it is to lose your husband. All who knew her appreciated her kind and caring ways.
Blessings,
M Reid
Jim Logue
May 11, 2020
I remember Mr and Mrs Poe from my days at Lehighton High School, and a member of the FBLA. I also remember seeing her at the Beacon 443 for breakfasts. God bless you, Mrs. Poe. Rest in Peace.
May 11, 2020
Mrs. Poe...You are a big part of the reason for the person I am today. I will miss you and never forget the influence you had on my life.
Steve Rhoads
Marjorie L. Reppert
May 11, 2020
I had the pleasure to work with Mary Ellen for only one year in 1987 while teaching at Lehighton Area High School before she retired. I remember that Mary Ellen had a great smile, was loved by many and had lots of wit.
May Mary Ellen be in God's hands: at restful peace and happily rejoined with her husband Dale. You will both be forever missed.
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