EPHRATA — Evelyn Ay Sempier, crowned Miss America 1954 and the only Miss Pennsylvania to win the national pageant, has died, according to her daughter. She was 75.

Sempier, of Malvern, died Saturday of colorectal cancer, said her daughter, Stacy.

Evelyn Ay, born in Ephrata to German immigrants, was a sophomore at the University of Pennsylvania when she won the state title and then the national pageant's swimsuit competition and crown. She was the last Miss America to be crowned before the pageant was televised, according to the Miss America Web site.

When she was crowned, according to the site, her father said "This could happen only in America!"

She remained active with the pageant for many years, judging both the local and national pageants, her daughter said.

pital, her daughter said.

Four other Pennsylvanians — three Miss Philadelphias and one Miss Pittsburgh — had previously won the Miss America title, according to the Miss Pennsylvania Web site.