Myrna P. "Penny" McElwee, 69, of State College, formerly of Centre Hall and Shenandoah, VA; died Tuesday, May 19, 2009, at Mt. Nittany Medical Center at State College.
She was born August 1, 1939 in Parkview, Lewistown, a daughter of Catherine Reigle Machamer, who survives in Lewistown, and the late James Machamer.
On December 16, 1958, she married her loyal, devoted, loving husband, Richard L. McElwee, who preceded her in death January 1, 2009.
Penny graduated from Lewistown High School in 1957. Early in life she worked as a disc jockey at WMRF radio, and later was a full time homemaker.
She was a long time member of St. Luke Lutheran Church in Centre Hall, and while living in Virginia, was a member of St. Peter Lutheran Church in Shenandoah, VA.
Her most treasured moments were those spent with her family. In recent years Penny spent much of her free time writing voluminously, sharing notes with others and writing her thoughts, feelings and observations, filling notebooks, journals, and every scrap piece of paper she could find.
In addition to her mother, Mrs. McElwee is survived by her loving son and daughter in law Cory J. and Daphne Jo McElwee of Centre Hall; and two adored grandchildren, Chelsea N. and Ryan M. McElwee.
No stranger to excruciating heartbreak and pain, she was preceded in death by her father, husband, and two sons, Cris R. McElwee, April 12, 1983; and Craig A. McElwee July 2, 1988; and a grandson Christopher June 14, 1996.
Penny will be remembered and honored with a time to receive friends from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m. Friday, May 22, 2009, at Mark D. Heintzelman Funeral and Cremation Service, 226 Pennsylvania Ave. Centre Hall, PA. The funeral will follow immediately at 11:00 a. m. at the funeral home with the Reverend Russell L. Sauerwein officiating. Burial will be in the Reformed and Lutheran Cemetery, West Church St. Centre Hall, PA
In lieu of flowers, contributions in her memory may be made to St. Luke Lutheran Church, P. O. Box 331, Centre Hall, PA 16828.
A guest book can be signed or condolences sent to the family at www.heintzelmanfuneralhome.com.