E. Louise Parker Girard, 89, of Main Street, Emlenton, a well-known musical talent, a retired Allegheny-Clarion Valley school teacher, and life-long Emlenton resident, died peacefully in her home at 8:45 p.m. Monday surrounded by her loving family.

Mrs. Girard was born Nov. 15, 1918, in Emlenton. She was the daughter of Howard Scott and Callie Allen Parker.

Mrs. Girard graduated in 1940 from Grove City College, with degrees in both music and English. She did post graduate work at New York University in New York City, Wilson College in Chambersburg and Clarion University. She was a 1936 graduate of Emlenton High School.

Mrs. Girard was married in the Emlenton Presbyterian Church on Aug. 3, 1946, to Charles W. Girard. He preceded her in death on Feb. 24, 1987.

Mrs. Girard began her teaching career at the high school in Chicora. Her teaching career at Allegheny-Clarion Valley High School, where she was affectionately known as "Mrs. G" spanned nearly 40 years. Mrs. G's influence on her students reached far and wide. She and her students shared a special and mutual adoration, which lasted a lifetime. Mrs. Girard was the high school's drama coach, and throughout her career directed and accompanied many plays and musical productions.

Mrs. Girard was a lifelong member of the Emlenton Presbyterian Church. She served the church for many years as its pianist and organist and was a Circle Leader of the church.

While maintaining a full-time teaching career, she still found time to serve on many community boards and nonprofit groups. Mrs. Girard was the pianist for the Emlenton Civic Club's Showboat for 30 years. She also had served as president of the American Association of University Women, Clarion Chapter. She was a member of the Pennsylvania Music Educators Association and had been a worthy matron in the Order of Eastern Star.

She is survived by two children, Charles H. Girard and his wife, Denise McGarvey Girard, of Emlenton and Anita Girard Allen and her husband John, of Emlenton. Five grandchildren survive, Sarah, Caitlin, and Mackenzie Girard, Nicole Allen Rottman and Jenny Louise Allen. Two great-grandchildren also survive, Luke and Jordon Rottman. Also surviving are a sister, Jean Parker Nageli of Venice, Fla., and a number of nieces, nephews and cousins.

<B>GIRARD</B> — Friends of E. Louise Parker Girard, who died Monday, July 28, 2008, will be received from 3 to 5 and 7 to 9 today at the <B>Hile Funeral Home Inc</B>., 1204 Kerr Ave., Emlenton. Funeral services will be at 10:30 a.m. Thursday at the funeral home with the Rev. Lori Danielson, pastor of the Emlenton Presbyterian Church, officiating. Interment will take place at the Emlenton Cemetery.Memorial contributions may be made in Mrs. Girard's memory to the Venango County VNA Hospice, 176 E. Bissell Ave., Oil City, PA 16301 or to the Emlenton Presbyterian Church Organ Fund, P.O. Box 28, Emlenton, PA 16373.