Mrs. Elizabeth B. Bressler, age 83, of 901 Highland Drive, Tyrone died Thursday, August 14, 2003 at 4:20 a.m. at the Altoona Hospital.
She was born July 25, 1920 in Altoona, the daughter of G. Clarence and Rose Kienzle Black. On June 26, 1948 at the First English Lutheran Church she was married to Charles A. Bressler who preceded her in death December 25, 2001. She is survived by three sons – G. Charles and wife Deborah of RD 4, Tyrone; Donald R. and wife Darlene of RD 3, Tyrone and Brian L. of Tyrone; four grandchildren – Charles M. of Altoona; Ryan A. of RD 4 and Nicole J. and Melissa J. Bressler of RD 3 and one granddaughter – Chelsea Marie Bressler of Altoona. She was preceded in death by a grandson Donald, and she was the last of her immediate family.
She was a member of the First English Lutheran Church where she had been a choir member since childhood and had served as a Sunday School teacher. She was a graduate of Tyrone High School Class of 1939 and of the Coed Beauty School of Akron Ohio in 1941. In 1945 she became owner-operator of the “Powder Puff” Beauty Salon, then located in the former Masonic Building and since 1953 located in her home.
Mrs. Bressler was a past president of the Tyrone Players, the Adams School PTA, the Tyrone High School Band Parents and of the Business and Professional Women’s Club. She had also served as a Cub Scout den mother. In 1979 she was the recipient of a citation from Beta Sigma Phi as the Outstanding Woman of the Community.
Since joining the American Legion Auxiliary No. 281 in 1946 she gave large amounts of her time and leadership ability to this organization. She served as unit President in 1957-58, 1970-72, and 1988-89. She was the District President in 1972-74, Council President in 1982-83, Department level Historian in 1984, Chaplain in 1986, and Western Vice-president in 1987-88. Interim years were spent in numerous chairmanships and Western Vice Chairman appointments on all levels. Since 1948 she promoted the Unit Americanism essay contest at Tyrone Area High School, and spearheaded the Joint Americanism programs with Post, Unit, Youth and Adults in the schools and community.
She received a Certificate of Appreciation for volunteer hours from the James E. Van Zandt Medical Center and a citation from the House of Representatives, Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, Samuel E. Hayes, Jr. sponsor.
She was a partner and officer in the Keystone Salon Eight et Forty, a member of the Anderson Denny VFW Post No. 4559 Ladies Auxiliary, a member of the Allegheny Chorale, AARP, the Tyrone Hospital Auxiliary and the Tyrone Historical Society.
Mrs. Bressler received a Certificate of Appreciation for 33 years of broadcasting the “Story of the Amazing American Legion and American Legion Auxiliary” over WTRN radio in Tyrone.
Funeral service for Mrs. Bressler will be Monday, August 18, 2003 at 2:30 p.m. at the First English Lutheran Church with Pastor T.M. Talbot Moses officiating. Interment will be in Eastlawn Cemetery. Friends may call at the Richard H. Searer Funeral Home Inc. on Sunday from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. and on Monday at the church from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. Contributions in her memory may be made to the First English Lutheran Church, 17 W. 13th St., Tyrone or to the Music Department of Tyrone Area School system, c/o Cathy Peachy, 701 Clay Ave., Tyrone, PA 16686.
