Mary Ellen Wischner

Mary Ellen (Gerlach) Wischner, 83, of Point Pleasant, died Sunday, January 6, 2013 at home peacefully in her sleep after a long illness. She was born August 1, 1929, in Point Pleasant, a daughter of the late Lawrence Roy Gerlach Sr. and Mary Kathryn (Boggess) Gerlach. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her son and daughter-in-law, Lawrence Michael and Beverly Carder and one brother, Lawrence R. Gerlach Jr. Mary Ellen was a Speech Pathologist having been the first speech pathology graduate of Marshall University. She held an M.A. from Western Michigan University and completed post graduate work at Bowling Green University. She attended the Trinity United Methodist Church in Point Pleasant and was a member of the Democratic Women, Hundred Dollar Club, American Speech and Hearing Association, American Association of University Women and Wannabee Writers. She is survived by her daughter, Cathy Dawn Neilson of Point Pleasant; three grandchildren, Christopher Neilson (Elizabeth) of Rockville, MD, Laura Megan Finch of Lewisburg, WV, and Brandi Nicole Pennycook (Shawn) of Point Pleasant; two great-grandchildren, Madison and Blaze Pennycook; and brother, Oscar "Sonny" Gerlach (Nan) of Terra Alta, WV. A private graveside service was held on Tuesday, January 8, 2013 at the Suncrest Cemetery in Point Pleasant. For those considering an expression of sympathy, memorials are requested to St. Jude Tribute Program, P.O. Box 1000 Dept 142, Memphis, TN 38101-9908. Memorial envelopes may be picked up at the Wilcoxen Funeral Home. Services were under the direction of the Wilcoxen Funeral Home, Point Pleasant, WV. Online condolences may be made at www.wilcoxenfuneralhome.com