Obituary of Louise Young Tukey

Louise A. Young Tukey, aged 96, of State College, PA died on Thursday, January 4, 2024, at The Juniper Village, Brookline facility, State College, PA.

She was born on January 28, 1927 in Easton, PA, to the late Franklin and Beulah Schick Young. Her Mother nicknamed her "Lovey." The Liberty Elementary School PTA, of Easton, PA, awarded Louise a Keystone bicycle in 1936 for Academic Achievement. She had to have a friend ride it home since she didn't know how to ride a bike but she soon learned and rode bicycles for many years. She graduated with honors from Wilson Borough High School in Easton in 1944 where she was Editor of the Senior Class Yearbook and played the clarinet in the orchestra and marching band. In 1948 she graduated from Wilson College, Chambersburg, PA, with a B.S. degree in psychology.

She was employed in New York City as a statistician for Vick Chemical Company from 1948-1951 and as personnel assistant in the Employment Division at Penn State University 1951 -1952. She also worked as a part-time secretary for the American Pomological Society for 23 years, and for many years complied the Penn State University department phone book.

On February 2, 1952, she married Dr. Loren D. Tukey at the Zion Lutheran Church in Easton, PA. He retired as emeritus professor of Pomology at Penn State after 42 years, and died on November 5, 1998. They enjoyed many foreign trips together attending conferences of the International Society for Horticultural Science in Warsaw, Poland, Germany, Italy, New Zealand and Australia.

Mrs. Tukey served as President of the State College Branch of the American Association of University Women 1961-1963. In 1962 she was one of the founders of the AAUW State College Branch Used Book Sale and served as chairman and co-chairman several times. She volunteered at every Book Sale for over 58 years. In 1983 she was the co-editor of the pamphlet, "How to Run a Book Sale." She served as Branch historian for over 50 years and was an Honorary Life member. Along with Jackie R. Esposito she co-authored "Women Lead the Way," the Centennial History of the AAUW State College Branch, in 2016. She received the Branch Volunteer of the Year award in 1979, Outstanding Woman of the Branch in 1981 and a special Pennsylvania AAUW Achievement Award in 2015. She was a charter member of the Junior Woman's Club in 1952. She was a 50-year member of the State College Women's Club, State College Presbyterian Church, League of Women Voters of Centre County and Penn State University Women's Club.

Mrs. Tukey's loves included her vast collection of Teddy Bears, cats and organ music which she played in college.

Survivors include a son, David D. Tukey, of Lansdale, PA, a daughter, Barbara Tukey Shea, of Waterville, ME, a sister Barbara Young Salisbury and her husband Richard of Rochester, NY. Grandchildren include Steven D. Shea and wife Leslee of Searsport, ME, and Carolyn Shea Finch and husband Greg Finch of Searsport, ME. Great grandchildren include Oliver and Isabel Shea and Juliet Finch all of Searsport, ME.

In addition to her parents she was predeceased by a brother, Robert A. Young of Easton, PA.

The family wishes to thank the staff at Juniper Village, Brookline, for their excellent medical care. They also wish to thank Robin Hook, Mrs. Tukey's faithful "My Gal Friday," for her help and guidance in her daily life. Mrs. Hook helped her with many activities and excursions for over 20 years. She became a true member of the family and can't be thanked enough for helping Mrs. Tukey lead a better, healthier, happier and more fulfilling life.

Services will be held at the State College Presbyterian Church followed by a reception at 2:00pm Saturday, January 13, 2024, with Pastor John Porter officiating. The service will also be streamed on Youtube; consult kochfuneralhome.com for instructions.

Burial will be at the convenience of the family at the Tukey-Davenport family plot next to her husband in Woodland, MI.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the American Red Cross, 205 East Beaver Ave. State College, PA, 16801, to the State College Presbyterian Church, 132 W. Beaver Ave. State College, PA. 16801, or to The Centre County PAWS, 1401 Trout Road, State College, PA, 16801.