Obituary of Elizabeth Insley Traverse

Dr. Elizabeth (Betty) Jane Insley Traverse, age 90, of Foxdale Village, passed away on March 13, 2018. She was the wife of the late Dr. Alfred Traverse.

She was born on November 29, 1927 to the late Francis and Lois Insley, in Indianapolis, Indiana, where she spent her childhood.

In 1949, she earned her undergraduate degree in botany from Wellesley College in Massachusetts. She worked alongside her husband as a lab technician for Penn State University in the Department of Earth and Mineral sciences for many years, and also assisted him with his work at the PSU Herbarium and with his writing and publishing of several textbooks and articles in the field of palynology.

An avid world traveler and lover of higher education, Elizabeth earned her PhD degree in German Literature at the age of 67. In addition to her love of science and literature, she enjoyed music, hiking, and in her younger years, cross country skiing. She volunteered for the AAUW, among other community organizations, and was a regular member of the Universalist Unitarian Fellowship of Centre County. She had, in recent years, also been very active with a memoir writing group in State College. In an excerpt written in 2013, in response to a request for writing submissions for her 60th college reunion record book, she wrote the following:

"After 60 years as grads,

working hard and dodging fads,

we find our clocks are ticking fast.

How much longer will we last?

The answer is that we don't know.

One day we'll stop, but now we go.

To make the most of every day, 'carpe diem' is the way."

She had a long life, well lived.

Elizabeth is survived by her children, son Dr., Paul Traverse and his wife, Michele of Endicott, New York, daughter Martha Traverse of State College, PA, son John Traverse and his wife, Kathy of Memphis, Tennessee and daughter Celia Traverse, of Camp Hill PA. In addition, she is survived by seven grandchildren, Anna, Ben, Nick, Hannah and Jason Traverse and Guy and Julia Lerner, and three great grandchildren.

A service to celebrate her life will be held at the Universalist Unitarian Fellowship of Centre County on Saturday, March 24 at 3:00 p.m., 780 Waupelani Drive Ext., State College, PA 16801. Memorial contributions may be made to the same.

Arrangements are under the care of Koch Funeral Home, State College. Online condolences and signing of the guest book may be entered at www.kochfuneralhome.com or visit us on Facebook.