Miriam W. Motto

Miriam W. Motto, 92, of Arandale Street, Bedford, died Saturday, September 29, 2012 at Colonial Courtyard. She was born on April 20, 1920, the daughter of the late Dr. Guy S. and Carrie  A. (Noble) Tippery. On July 31, 1954 in Altoona, she married Leonard E. Motto who preceded her in death on August 15, 1985.  She is survived by a son, Brinton L. Motto and wife Jeanne of Camp Hill, and two grandsons Brinton A. and Andrew T. Motto also of Camp Hill.  She was preceded in death by a sister Janice Rupp.

Miriam was a graduate of Lebanon Valley College and a received a masters in music from Penn State University.  Her career in music spanned 31 years both with Bedford Area School District as well as a teacher of piano and voice.  She was the choir director for the Christ Second Lutheran Church in Altoona before moving to Bedford and becoming a member of the Bedford Presbyterian Church where she served in the choir and as an elder. She was a member of the Bedford Community Chorus as well as an organist for the Order of the Eastern Star Chapter # 41 of Bedford.  She was also a member of the county and state school retirees and the National Retired Teacher’s Association.  Since her retirement she has been active with R.S.V.P.

Funeral Services will be held on Thursday, October 4, 2012, at 6:00 p.m. in the Chapel at Timothy A. Berkebile Funeral Home in Bedford, with Rev. Doug Friant officiating.  Burial at Alto Rest Cemetery in Altoona.  Friends will be received on Thursday from 4:00 p.m. until the hour of the service at the funeral home.  In Lieu of flowers contributions can be made in her memory to the Bedford Presbyterian Church, 145 South Juliana Street, Bedford, Pa 15522.  Our online guest book is available at www.berkebilefuneralhome.com.