Elizabeth M. Orr

On April 30th, 2015, while surrounded by the prayers and presence of her loving family and after a very blessed and fruitful 90 years of life, Elizabeth M. (Libby) Orr, a resident of Brighton Township, went home to be with her Lord and Savior! Born November 1, 1924, Libby was the daughter of the late Henry and Johanna Gissel of Rochester, PA, She was well known for her deep and abiding faith, her love for her family, her tremendous joy for life and contagious laughter!

A graduate and valedictorian of Rochester High School, Libby was a gifted pianist who accompanied her high school choir and swing band in her earlier years. She later served as part-time organist for St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, Rochester, and Hope Lutheran Church, Brighton Township, where she was actively involved in many areas of the church for her entire life.

Libby was a 1946 graduate of Geneva College in Beaver Falls, PA, where she achieved high academic honors and was listed in Who’s Who of American College Students. She was elected the first female President of the Student Senate and also as May Queen in her senior year. Upon graduation Libby was invited to join the faculty of Geneva College first as a chemistry teacher and later as an instructor of German. In 1996, she was honored to receive the Distinguished Service Award from the Geneva College Alumni Association.

She was later employed by Foerster Instruments as a bi-lingual secretary and also served as past president of the Woman’s Club of Beaver and the Ladies Auxiliary to the Fort McIntosh Club of Beaver, PA.

Libby is survived by her loving husband of 67 years, William H. (Bill) Orr of Brighton Twp., her two sons, pastor Kirk (Vicki) Orr of Lower Burrell PA, and pastor Mark (DJ) Orr of Norwalk, CT. She is also survived by four cherished grandchildren, Mike Orr of Denver, CO, Andrew (Kristen) Orr of Lower Burrell, PA, Sarah (Chris) Bibow of Darien, CT, and Matthew (Molly) Orr of Denver, CO. In addition, she is survived by seven great grandchildren, David, Mary, Rachel, and Sarah Orr of Lower Burrell, PA, Anabelle and Madison Bibow of Darien, CT, and Isaac Orr of Denver, CO along with the blessing of two more great grandchildren on the way in September.

Friends will be received Monday, May 4, 2015 from 4 to 8 p.m. in the SAUL-GABAUER FUNERAL HOME, INC., 273 Route 68 Rochester (adjacent to Sylvania Hills Memorial Park Mausoleum). Her funeral service will be held 11 a.m. Tuesday, May 5, 2015 at Hope Evangelical Lutheran Church, 45 Maple Drive, Beaver, PA. If desired, memorial contributions may be directed to the church. On line condolences may be offered at www.saul-gabauer.com