Louise Mae Emery

Louise Emery, 79, died October 18, 2009 in her Wyomissing residence.

Born in Reading, she was the daughter of Harry and Helen Mae (Unger) Merkel.

Louise was a 1947 graduate of Reading High School. She received her Bachelor of Arts degree cum laude in American Studies in 1986 from Albright College at the age of 56. After graduation, she worked first as a volunteer and subsequently as an employee at the Berks County Conservancy, Wyomissing, writing National Register Nominations of historic farms, mills and numerous other historically significant properties in Berks County.

Louise was also instrumental in the founding of Readings first women's shelter, Women in Crisis, and served as a board member on its first Board of Directors and on the help hotline.

She enjoyed collecting and refinishing antique furniture. She was an avid reader of history and biographies. Louise loved the beach, spending her summers in Atlantic Beach, FL. She was a devoted mother and grandmother and will be dearly missed.

In addition to her husband, Edward R. Emery, she is survived by her daughter, Lisa A. Emery-Fogel, Wyomissing and her brother, Donald A., husband of Dorothy Merkel, Wyomissing. Her granddaughter, Emma C. Fogel, also survives her.

A Memorial Service will be held Saturday at 9 a.m. in the Edward J. Kuhn Funeral Home, Inc., 739 Penn Ave., West Reading. Inurnment will be in Charles Evans Cemetery. A visitation will be Friday 5 to 7 p.m. in the funeral home. Contributions may be made to: Hirshberg Foundation for Pancreatic Cancer Research, 2990 S. Sepulveda Blvd., Suite 300C, Los Angeles CA, 90064 or Berks Visiting Nurse Association, Hospice Division: 1170 Berkshire Blvd., Wyomissing, PA 19610. Online condolences may be recorded at www.kuhnfuneralhome.com.