Mary Helen Pursell, 66, of State College, formerly of Lock Haven died Saturday, March 25,2006 at Mount Nittany Medical Center after a courageous and valiant battle with cancer of the pancreas.
She was born in Philadelphia, PA, July 5, 1939, the daughter of the late Anthony J. and Viola M. Rogers Boyd.
One June 4, 1971, in State College, she married Ronald A. Pursell, who survives.
In addition to her husband, she is survived by a brother, John A. Boyd, of Westmont, NJ and a sister, Kathleen Callison and her husband, Michael of Merchantsville, NJ; two sisters-in-law, Erma Javes of Murfreesboro, TN, and Marilyn Bigley and her husband, Vincent, of Milford, NJ; a number of nieces and nephews; Bruce and Martha Allen of Olivette, MO; and her beloved dachshund, Gerta.
In addition to her parents, a sister, Ann Patricia Boyd, and two dearly loved dachshunds, Hildegard and Emma preceded her in death.
Mary graduated in 1963 and 1968 from Glassboro State College (now Rowan University) with a B.A. and M.A. in Science Education. In 1975 she was awarded a Ph.D. in Genetics by The Pennsylvania State University.
From 1963 - 1965 she taught chemistry at Sterling High School in Somerdale, NJ. From 1966 - 1968 she held the rank of Assistant Professor in the Science Department of Glassboro State College. In 1975 she began her tenure in the Biology Department at Lock Haven University, rising to Professor in 2001. In addition to teaching at Lock Haven University, Mary held several administrative positions, Associate Dean of Students, 1983 - 1984; Interim Vice President for Academic Affairs, 1985 - 1986; and Vice President for Academic Affairs and Provost, 1990 - 1996.
Mary was a gifted and dedicated teacher, influencing the lives and careers of many students. Upon retirement from the University in July 2001, she continued to lecture in the Physician Assistant Program, to teach science in the 4th, 5th, and 6th grade classes at Lock Haven Catholic School, and to tutor students in the GED program.
For relaxation Mary enjoyed reading, cooking and outings with the ladies of the Lock Haven Chapter of the Red Hat Society.
A funeral mass will be held on Thursday, March 30,2006 at 10:00 am in the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, 310 W. Water St., Lock Haven with Father Daniel O'Neill officiating. Burial will follow at the Centre County Memorial Park, Benner Pike, State College.
A memorial service at the Lock Haven University will be announced at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Biology Department, Lock Haven University and to the Lock Haven Catholic School, 311 W. Water St., Lock Haven, PA 17745. A guest book can be signed at www.heintzelmanfuneralhome.com