A Legacy of Light: Remembering Saltsburg's Own, Georganna Lowery

There are some lives, you know, that just seem to ripple outward, touching so many others along the way. Georganna Catherine Lehman Lowery, who passed peacefully in her Saltsburg home on May 29, 2024, at the age of 80, was undoubtedly one of those extraordinary people. Her departure leaves a quiet space in the hearts of her loved ones and in the very fabric of the community she cherished so deeply.

Born on January 13, 1944, right there in Indiana, Pennsylvania, Georganna was the daughter of George K. and Catherine L. (Shaffer) Lehman. You could say her roots ran deep in this western Pennsylvania soil. She grew up with a keen intellect and a natural curiosity, qualities that would, in time, shape her remarkable career.

A proud graduate of Saltsburg High School in 1961, Georganna then continued her academic journey at Indiana University of Pennsylvania, earning her B.S. in Biology Education in 1965. And then, well, she just kept learning, later securing her M.Ed. from IUP as well. Education, truly, wasn't just a career for her; it was a calling. For three decades, she was a beloved fixture at Saltsburg Area High School, guiding countless young minds through the intricacies of biology, chemistry, anatomy, physiology, and general science. Her passion for teaching was infectious, and honestly, many a former student can likely still recall her lessons with clarity. She finally retired from teaching in 1995, but her active spirit simply couldn't sit still.

Post-retirement brought a new adventure: Georganna became the proud owner and operator of "The Gilded Lily," a charming gift shop nestled right there in Saltsburg. It was another way, perhaps, for her to connect with people, to bring a little bit of beauty and joy to her town. But more than her professional endeavors, it was her family that truly brought her the greatest joy.

She married the love of her life, Robert D. Lowery, on a beautiful day, June 18, 1966. Together, they built a wonderful life, raising two children who would carry on her spirit: Robert C. Lowery (with his wife Laura) of Clarksburg, and Kelly E. Lowery (with her husband Eric Zevorich) of Mt. Lebanon. And then came the grandchildren – oh, the grandchildren! Jacob A., Madelyn R., George R., and Hannah R. Lowery, along with Chloe and Maxwell Zevorich. They were, without a doubt, the absolute lights of her life, and she relished every moment spent with them.

Beyond her immediate family, Georganna held her siblings dear: her sister, Patricia A. Lehman of Saltsburg, and her brother, Donald G. Lehman (with his wife Barbara) of Shelocta. And of course, there were her many nieces and nephews, all part of the vibrant tapestry of her life.

But her dedication didn't stop at her family and former students. Georganna was a pillar of the Saltsburg community. A devoted member of the Saltsburg Presbyterian Church, she served with unwavering commitment as an Elder, Deacon, clerk of session, Sunday school teacher, and a joyful participant in both the choir and bell choir. Honestly, her faith was a guiding force. She also lent her wisdom and time to the Saltsburg Library Board of Trustees and the Saltsburg Revitalization Committee, always striving to make her town a better place. And get this: she was even a "best-selling" author for a local Saltsburg cookbook project! She was, you see, someone who just naturally rolled up her sleeves and got things done.

When she wasn't shaping young minds or nurturing her community, Georganna found solace in the simple pleasures of life. An avid reader, she could often be found lost in the pages of a good book. She loved the ocean, finding particular peace and joy during her trips to the Outer Banks. But in truth, her greatest pastime, her most cherished activity, was simply being with her family, especially those precious grandchildren.

Georganna was preceded in death by her loving parents. And now, as we reflect on a life so richly lived, we remember her kindness, her intelligence, her unwavering spirit. Visitation will be held on Thursday, June 6, 2024, from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. at the P. David Corle Funeral Home, 300 Salary St., Saltsburg. A funeral service to celebrate her remarkable life will take place on Friday, June 7, 2024, at 11 a.m. at the Saltsburg Presbyterian Church, followed by interment in Saltsburg Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly suggests memorial contributions be made to either the Saltsburg Presbyterian Church or the Saltsburg Free Library, causes that were so close to Georganna's heart. For once, let's honor her not with flowers, but by supporting the institutions she loved, keeping her legacy of community and learning alive.