Virginia A. Martin

Virginia Martin Obituary

Virginia A. Martin LOCK HAVEN, PA - Virginia A. Martin, 82, of 33 Julia Drive, Lock Haven passed away Tuesday, September 25, 2012, at her residence. She was born July 7, 1930, in Troy, NY, the daughter of the late Carl E. and Mildred V. (Marvin) Martin. She attended Brown University, where she received a BA in English, and Columbia University, where she received an MA in English. She also attended Penn State University. Virginia was a dedicated teacher, mentor, and friend. An Associate Professor Emerita, Virginia taught Literature and Women's Studies at Lock Haven University for 30 years, retiring in 1999. She founded the Women's Studies Program in the early 1970s. For decades, she regularly taught summer courses in the Act 101/Educational Opportunity Program. She was the first recipient, in 1997, of the Woman of Distinction Award. In 2011, she established a fund for an annual essay contest in Gender Issues. For her many contributions to Lock Haven University, Virginia was inducted into the Alumni Association Roll of Service in October 2011. She is survived by her friend and companion Julie Story, two nephews, Peter Klee and Paul (Laura) Klee, and niece Susan Klee, all of the greater Philadelphia area. She enjoyed seven great-nephews: Joshua, Jeremy, Zachary, Gabriel, Jonathan, Brian and Alexander. She is also survived by two cousins, Arnold Castagner and Maurice (Shirley) Castagner, both of Vermont. A sister and brother-in-law, Joan and David Klee, preceded Virginia in death. A celebration of life will be announced at a later date to take place in Lock Haven. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made in her name to the LHU Foundation, Durrwachter Alumni Conference Center, Lock Haven, PA 17745. Interment will be private at Union Village Cemetery, Norwich, VT. Arrangements are under the direction of the Helt Funeral Chapel, 232 Hogan Blvd., Mill Hall. Send condolences at BestLifeTributes.com

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Published by The Record from Sep. 27 to Sep. 28, 2012.

Memories and Condolences
for Virginia Martin

4 Entries

Tom Nelson

July 24, 2024

I realize I am very late in discovering Ms. Martin's passing. I was a student at Lock Haven University in the late 1980's and she was my advisor. I also took her English Lit. course and have many fond and hilarious memories. She took a fair bit of time in describing whale mating in our class; however, she was quick to close her door before exploring this fascinating topic.

As my advisor, she was helping me find a science class that I might enjoy and she suggested Ornithology. She said "you just ride around in a van with Dr. Schwalbe and look for birds". That seemingly comical advice altered the course of my life. I went on to Penn State and East Stroudsburg University and obtained degrees in Biology, Environmental Studies and Wildlife Technology. I spent 18 years rehabilitating injured raptors and have taken care of a bald eagle for the last 28 years. She was a remarkable women. She also spurred my love of reading. She is/was a legend to me and many others.

Tom Nelson
former student

Louise Apichell

March 11, 2013

I signed up for any class that Ms. Martin was teaching and sitting always in the front of her classes, I got to see up close and personal Ms. Martin trying to light the filter end of her cigarette while she provided an answer to someone's question. With unsuccessful attempts in lighting her cigarette and with a direct stare to me, (smile on my face at this point) Ms. Martin blurted out a response that I cannot repeat here, but I will always remember that funny scene in her English class. Ms. Martin broke the mold; no doubt about it. A truly genuine and inspiring educator who helped me believe in my goals. I wish I would have had 20 Ms. Martin's at The Haven. 1973

Louise Apichell

March 11, 2013

Ms. Martin was my favorite English instructor. I enjoyed and appreciated her so much that I sat in the very front of her classes, hanging on to her every word.

Deb Sagan

September 30, 2012

Just the mention of Virginia's name brings back a flood of memories from LHU in the early 70's. English Literature with Ms. Martin was very enlightening and sometimes shocking, her interpretation of Shakespeare was certainly very worldly.
Ms. Martin was one of the most confident women I've ever met and she helped me see that anything is possible with the right determination and commitment. I have thought about her frequently and fondly in the past 30+ years and am proud to say that she taught me well.

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