Anne Elder Paylor

Anne Elder Paylor, age 90, of Pittsburgh, PA passed away on her birthday, September 21, 2025. She was born on September 21, 1935, to Forest and Isabella Elder of Punxsutawney, PA. Anne spent her childhood in Punxsutawney. She studied music at Carnegie Tech and retired after a long career at the Winchester Thurston School. Anne’s musical talents were impressive. In addition to teaching music and Glee Club at Winchester, she also taught private piano lessons and accompanied for church and college courses. Some of Anne’s favorite moments were playing the piano for fun, both solo and duets with dear friends. In her spare time, Anne loved opera, plays and concerts. Many happy days were spent at their cottage in North Haven, Maine. After the children were grown, Anne and Neil expanded their travels, studying Spanish in Mexico and cruising on the QE2 to England. Most of all, Anne enjoyed time with family and friends. She is remembered for her beautiful smile and willingness to always help a friend in need.

Anne is preceded in death by her parents, Forest and Isabella Elder, husband Neil, brother Jim Elder, daughter Rachel Paulsen, and granddaughter Katherine Leinweber. She is survived by daughters Jennifer (Martin) Leinweber, Kathleen (Allison Cease) Paylor, and Carole (Don) Eddy, grandchildren Christopher (Samantha) Leinweber, Emma (Justin) Snider, Matt Paulsen, Tim (Tam) Paulsen, Sam Paulsen, Sarah Paulsen, and great grandchildren Anne Leinweber and Milo Paulsen. Anne is also survived by many nephews, nieces, and dear friends.

The family has chosen not to hold a visitation or funeral at this time. Anne will be buried in a private ceremony in Punxsutawney, PA near her mother, father and brother. For Anne’s last years, her life was dramatically changed by her battle with dementia. It has taught us not just to make memories, but to enjoy them while you can.

If you would like to make a donation in Anne’s honor, we encourage you to choose a charity meaningful to you. To celebrate Anne, we encourage you to remember her by seeing a play, listening to your favorite music, or traveling to someplace special. It’s hard to include everything important about Anne in an obituary. Perhaps that is the truest indicator of a life well lived.