Geneva M. Pittenger

Geneva M. Pittenger, 95, passed away Thursday, July 27, 2017 at Thornwald Home, Carlisle.
Born September 18, 1921 in Carlisle, she was a daughter of the late William Mac and Ella Coover Pittenger, and a lifelong resident of Carlisle. She attended the Carlisle public school, graduating with the 1939 class of Carlisle High School.
From 1940-41, as part of the National Youth Administration, she received office training at the Carlisle Hospital. She then managed Swimmers Cleaners, Carlisle from 1941 through September 1958. In November 1958, she began her career as a buyer for the Dickinson College store, retiring in 1986.
She was a member of the former Grace United Methodist Church, now Carlisle United Methodist Church, for over 65 years. She sang with the Chancel Choir of the church until 2017. Earlier in her life, she sang with the choir of the First Lutheran Church, Carlisle.
Active for many years with the Girl Scouts, she began as a leader in May 1944. She was chairwoman of the Neighborhood Finance Committee for 7 years, including local and District Cookie and Candy Chairwoman. A member of the Susquehanna Council Committee, she was Chairwoman of the Carlisle District Girl Scouts from 1957-1959. She attended the First National Senior Girl Scout Round-up in Pontiac, MI in 1956 and the Second Round-up in 1959 in Colorado Springs, CO. She was founder and director of the Girl Scout Choir.
Geneva was director of the Miss Carlisle Fair contest for over 30 years. She was director of the Cumberland Valley “Junior Miss Pageant” from 1961-1963. She was co-director of the “Little Miss Ag Expo” pageant. Involved with the Miss Cumberland Valley Scholarship pageant (a Miss America preliminary) for over 35 years, she was director-producer for 18 years. Through these connections, she organized the appearance of many pageant winners in all of the Carlisle parades.
In 1959, she was named “Woman of the Year” by the Carlisle Lions Club. The Carlisle Parks and Recreation Department awarded her, in 1997, the Roy Hoffman Volunteer of the Year award.
She was Majority Inspector for the First Precinct of the Third Ward, Carlisle, and served as Judge of Elections. She was a member of the Voters Hall of Fame for PA. She was a member of the Carlisle Community Halloween Celebration Committee for six years, serving as vice-chairman in 1961-62 and chairwoman in 1963. She was a member of Carlisle’s Civil War Centennial Ball committee. Member and past President of the American Legion Auxiliary Post 101; Americanism Chairwoman for 10 years, in charge of all essay contests in the local schools, as well as the 8th grade medal award in the local school.
She served as president of Meals on Wheels Board in Carlisle; assistant treasurer of Carlisle AARP 4397; house co-chair for the Carlisle Civic Club, in which she held a life membership; member of the Carlisle Hospital Auxiliary-volunteer worker in the gift shop; and, was a life member of the Mary Dickinson Club.
In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by a sister, Betty June Pittenger King. She is survived by two nieces, Carol A. (and Kevin) Greenholt and Karen Sue Keith; two great-nieces, Karen Greenholt (and Keith) Jones and Alexandra Keith; two great great nephews, Caleb and Zachary Geyer; and a step great great niece, Kendall Gwinn.
The family and her friends would like to express our appreciation and thanks to the staff at Thornwald Home for their gentle care and kindness to Nevie.
Funeral services will be held Tuesday, August 1 at 11 am in Carlisle United Methodist Church, W. Pomfret St., Carlisle, with the Rev. James VanZandt officiating. There will be a viewing from 9:30 to 11 a.m. at the church. Burial in Westminster Cemetery, Carlisle, will follow the service.
Funeral arrangements were provided by Hoffman Funeral Home & Crematory, 2020 W. Trindle Road, Carlisle, PA. To sign the guestbook, please visit www.HoffmanFH.com
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Music Program, Carlisle United Methodist Church, 45 S. West St., Carlisle, PA or Meals on Wheels, 92 Winchester Gardens, Carlisle, PA 17013.