Francis Margaret (Purdy) Palin

Frances Margaret Purdy Palin passed away January 4, 2016 in Grand Rapids, Michigan. She was preceded in death by her husband, William Edwin Palin, M.D. and brother, Robert Jay Purdy.  Survivors include her son William E. (Linda) Palin, M.D., of Fernandino Beach, Florida; daughters Jane Palin (William) Streb, of Grand Rapids, Michigan, Lynn Palin (Michael) O’Neal, of Northport, Alabama, and Lois Palin (James) O’Donnell, of New Hope, Pennsylvania. She is also survived by eight grandchildren; Hugh Little, Hannah Palin, John Palin, Mary Frances Streb Coe and her husband Addison Reid, Joseph O’Neal, Kathleen O’Neal, Monica O’Donnell, James O’Donnell, sister-in-law Nancy Voss Purdy, and many nieces and nephews. Frances was born on May 19, 1922 to Harold Bradley Purdy and Mary Ruetta Scott Purdy in Langeloth, Pennsylvania.  She was graduated from Grove City College with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Commerce in December, 1943.  After graduation, Frances taught commercial education at Harbrack High School in Natrona Heights, Pennsylvania, Midway High School in Midway, Pennsylvania, and Miss Connelly’s Secretarial School in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.  She then worked for the Blaw-Knox Steel Company in Pittsburgh.  She was a member of Delta Omega Rho Sorority and the Burgettstown Chapter of the Order of the Eastern Star.  On August 8, 1945 she married William Edwin Palin, M.D. and continued teaching while her husband completed his surgical training and served in World War II.  After moving to Bedford, Pennsylvania in 1951, Frances worked as her husband’s medical office manager before having children.  She was a member of the Bedford Presbyterian Church and the Board of Trustees.  Many will remember her leadership in the Presbyterian Church nursery and organizing church dinners.  She was a member of the American League Auxiliary for over fifty years.  Frances was a Cub Scout Den Mother, an active volunteer with the March of Dimes, a board member of the New Hope School, and with her husband served Meals On Wheels.  She was a past president of the Bedford Memorial Hospital Auxiliary.  Frances also served with her husband on the Pastoral Committee of the Wells Memorial Presbyterian Church in Avalon, New Jersey.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, January 9, 2016, at 1:30 p.m. at the Bedford Presbyterian Church, with Rev. Doug Friant, officiating.  Friends will be received from 12:30 p.m., until the hour of the service at the church. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Grove City College, Advancement Office, 100 Campus Drive, Grove City, Pennsylvania 16127.  Arrangements by the Timothy A. Berkebile Funeral Home, in Bedford.  Our online guestbook is available at www.berkebilefuneralhome.com