Ethel Boland

Ethel Taylor Boland, 90 of Ephrata PA , formally of Hollidaysburg, passed away on Sunday, March 8, 2015 at Ephrata Manor, her home for the last 5 months. She was born December 7, 1924 in Altoona, the daughter of Samuel M. and Lauretta (Shaffer) Taylor. Ethel married Francis E. Boland on May 28, 1955 at St. Michael Catholic Church, Hollidaysburg. Upon Francis’ passing in 2007, Ethel moved to The Groves Retirement Home in Ephrata which is owned by her son. Surviving are her children; Susan Zimmerman and husband Jay, of Bellefonte, PA; Chris Hackenberg and husband, Tom of Richmond, VA; and David Boland of Lancaster,PA. Ethel was also the “adopted” mom to Jim Brown of Lancaster. She was the beloved “Mee-Maw” to; Katelyn Ziolkowski,and husband Paul; Britt Mantiply, and husband Matt, and cherished great granddaughter, Nora; Alexandra Wagner and husband, Matt; Madison and Cassidy Hackenberg; and Jayme and Jayson Zimmerman. Ethel was predeceased by her parents, her husband, Francis, and her siblings: H. Samuel and wife, Marjorie; Francis and wife, Miriam; Daisy; and Lauretta and husband, Ed Fay. She is also survived by numerous in-laws and nieces and nephews. Ethel was a graduate of Altoona Area High School and a graduate of Zeth Business School. Ethel worked in accounting for GMAC and Sears in Altoona. In 1960 Ethel took a leave from her career and stayed home to raise her young family. Ethel returned to her career with Sears in 1968. After more than 30 years of service she retired in 1985 as the first female Supervisor of the Service/Parts department. After moving to The Groves at the age of 82, Ethel became active in assisting her son with the operation of the business. Ethel enjoyed needlework and reading. She was an accomplished cook, seamstress, April 1st prankster and she was the family’s master Christmas stocking crocheter. She and Francis loved traveling, their dogs and most importantly, their children and grandchildren. The family wants to send a special thanks to all the staff at Ephrata Manor and The Groves for the loving care Ethel received over the past several years. Ethel truly loved and cherished each staff person that assisted her. To love and be loved is a life well lived. Relatives and friends are invited to attend Ethel’s Celebration of Life Funeral Service on Sunday, March 15, 2015 at 3:00 p.m. at First United Methodist Church, 68 North Church Street, Ephrata, PA with Reverend Walter Carter officiating. The family will greet friends at the church from 2:00 p.m. until time of service. Interment will take place Monday in the Alto-Reste Cemetery, Altoona, PA. Relatives and friends are also invited to attend Ethel’s Celebration of Life Service on Monday, March 16, 2015 at 1:30 p.m. in the Chapel at Alto-Reste Cemetery, Altoona, PA. The family will greet friends in the Chapel from 12:30 p.m. until time of service. A Graveside Committal will follow.

Ethel Boland

March 11, 2015