Elizabeth D. Wiley, 88, of Selinsgrove, passed away on Tuesday evening, March 18, 2014, at the Manor at Penn Village, Selinsgrove.

She was born Sept. 13, 1925, in Philadelphia, a daughter of the late Harry A. and Emma (Bauman) Wiley.

A proud alumna of the Philadelphia High School for Girls (1943), Elizabeth began her professional career as a nurse. She graduated with an RN from Lankenau Hospital School of Nursing (1946) and then continued her studies at the University of Pennsylvania, where she earned a bachelor of science in education from the University of Pennsylvania School of Education (1950). In 1951, Elizabeth traveled to Zorzor in the Republic of Liberia, West Africa, to serve as a missionary nurse, working with Esther Bacon, a nurse famous in Liberian history for her campaign to improve medical conditions in Liberia. When ill health brought Elizabeth back to the United States, she took a job in public relations at Passavant Hospital, Pittsburgh, and then began graduate studies at the University of Pittsburgh, where she earned both an MA and PhD in English literature.

Elizabeth concluded her professional career as professor emeritus of English at Susquehanna University, where she taught from 1962 until 1987. Before accepting a position in the English Department at Susquehanna University, Elizabeth taught at West Virginia Institute of Technology, Montgomery, W.Va. Following her retirement from Susquehanna, Elizabeth taught for a semester in Brazil.

In addition to articles she published in professional journals, Elizabeth compiled “Concordance to the Poetry of Edgar Allan Poe,” which was published in 1989 by Associated University Presses.

Elizabeth’s passion for service continued, even after her return from the mission field. A member of Sharon Lutheran Church, Selinsgrove, she was active on a variety of church committees both locally and on a synodical level, including the Liberia Companion Synod Committee, which allowed her to continue a connection with Liberia and world missions. Elizabeth also was an active member of WELCA and its precursor organizations, and while her health allowed, she helped to deliver Meals on Wheels locally.

Elizabeth also possessed a passion for music and played the violin and the French horn. Before her illness, Elizabeth was a patroness of the Sigma Alpha Iota Music Sorority and was active in the local alumni chapter. She also played her French horn in Selinsgrove Adult Band concerts.

She is survived by a great-nephew, Edward DeWarf, and several cousins.

Elizabeth was preceded in death by her sister, Grace Willem, and a niece, Lois DeWarf.

A memorial service will be held at 1 p.m. April 2 in Sharon Lutheran Church, Selinsgrove, followed by burial in Evergreen Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to Sharon Lutheran Church or to a charity of the giver’s choosing.

Arrangements are by the V.L. Seebold Funeral Home, 601 N. High St., Selinsgrove.

V.L. Seebold Funeral Home Obituary