Patricia W. Parsons

Patricia W. Parsons, 78, of 104 N. Main St., Towanda, Pa., died Friday afternoon, May 9, 2008, at her home following declining health.

Born Oct. 20, 1929, in Upland, Pa., she was the daughter of the late Fred and Anna Hostetler Wiley. She often remarked that her father said the world took one look at her and the stock market fell and the banks closed.

"Pat," as she was known by her family and friends, was a 1947 graduate of Nether Providence High School in Wallingford, Pa., and a 1951 graduate of Bucknell University with a BS degree in commerce and finance. In 1974 she completed studies with Empire Piano School and practiced as a technician from 1975 through 1999.

She was an active member of the First United Methodist Church of Towanda — often stating that she had served in every capacity except trustee. She served for many years as a member of the "My Brother's Keepers" group making sleeping bags for the homeless.

Pat was a life member of the Girl Scouts, working in the council, the region, and the local Wypotomoss Service Unit. During the years from 1953 to 2008, she was a leader of troops on all levels except Daisies. She was the last director of the Girl Scout Camp at Brule and the first director of Day Camp at Sugar Creek. She led the revision of the Scouting Room at the Bradford County Historical Society Museum. From September 1991 to September 1997 she teamed with Joy Bourne to produce the museum's quarterly, The Settler.

Pat was instrumental in forming the independent organization for Junior Miss, which became Outstanding Young Woman. She was a participant in the Winding Rivers Players and Valley Chorus. She enjoyed a term on the Towanda School Board and the Board of the Towanda Public Library.

She is survived by a son, Daniel (Ruth Ellen) Parsons of Kissimmee, Fla.; two daughters, Lucy (John) Gambino of Reynoldsburg, Ohio, and Dr. Edith Parsons and John Miley of Athens, Ga.; a brother, Fred (Barbara) Wiley of Woodlyn, Pa.; a sister, Jane (Jim) Hutchby of Cary, N.C.; and eight grandchildren.

She was predeceased by her husband, Donald S. Parsons, and her grandson Daniel Parsons Jr.

A service of celebration and remembrance will be held at 4 p.m. Sunday, May 11, at the First United Methodist Church, Main Street, Towanda, with the Rev. Richard Barner, pastor, officiating.

Friends may call immediately following the service in the fellowship hall of the church.

Memorials may be directed to the building fund of the Towanda Public Library, 104 Main St., Towanda, Pa. 18848, in Patricia W. Parsons' memory.