Margaret E. Martz
Margaret E. “Maggie” Martz, 69, of Port Matilda, Pa., passed away on Sept. 13, 2020, at Geisinger Medical Center in Danville, Pa., following an accident. She was surrounded by her loving family at the time of her death.
Originally from Butler, Maggie was born Jan. 31, 1951, and was the daughter of the late Jack and Helen Laughner.
She graduated from Slippery Rock High School and from Slippery Rock University with a bachelor’s degree in library science. She earned a master’s degree in curriculum and instruction from the Pennsylvania State University.
Maggie served as the librarian at North Lincoln Hill Elementary School for 35 years, inspiring children to learn about their world through reading. She always embraced new innovations to modernize her library, and implemented the transfer from a paper-based card catalog to a digital system.
Under her leadership, Maggie’s students earned numerous blue ribbons in elementary interscholastic reading competitions.
After retiring, Maggie stayed engaged in the community, spending 10 years working in the bakery at Wegmans, keeping her customers happy with her kind manner and ready smile.
Maggie was a proud member of the Daughters of the American Revolution, being a direct descendant of a soldier from the Revolutionary War. Her love of the study of ancestry lead her to be the driving force behind the annual Jerry family reunion. Maggie also had a passion for the Pittsburgh Penguins and Penn State sports, including football, Lady Lion basketball, and ice hockey.
As a young mother of two daughters, she served as a Girl Scout leader, coached several girls’ basketball teams, and later served as a youth pen pal. Racquetball was her sport of choice and later in life, she embraced playing pickleball with her many friends at the Moshannon Valley YMCA.
Maggie loved fixing anything that needed improved. She relished the opportunity to put her handyman skills to work, making the world a better place; be it fixing a front door, or building a new piece of furniture.
Maggie is survived by her husband of 47 years, Larry K. Martz; her daughters, Emily G. Miles (husband David) and Allie A. Martz (fiancé Karly N. Mozdzen); her brother, Rich Laughner (wife Esta); her brother-in-law, John D. Martz (wife Betty); her niece and nephews; and her beloved Shiloh shepherd, “Dutch.”
In addition to her parents, Maggie was preceded in death by her brother, Edward Laughner.
The family wishes to extend a special thank you to the staff of Geisinger Medical Center. Generously, she was an organ donor.
MARTZ — An outdoor memorial service for Margaret E. “Maggie” Martz, who died Sunday, Sept. 13, 2020, will be held for family and close friends at 3 p.m. Wednesday at the Philipsburg Elks Lodge and Country Club.
In lieu of a guest book, a basket will be provided to collect cards and personal letters for the family.
Burial will be private at the convenience of the family.
Arrangements are under the direction of Wetzler Funeral Service, Bellefonte, Pa.
Memorial contributions can be made to the Philipsburg Osceola Area Middle School Library, 200 Short St., Philipsburg, PA 16866, or the American Red Cross, a monetary or blood donation.
Online condolences may be made to the family at www.wetzlerfuneralhome.com.
