Obituary of Mary Ellen Nurmi

Mary Ellen Nurmi, 95, of State College, died Monday, August 1, 2016, at The Village at Penn State, Atrium. Born March 6, 1921 in Strasburg, Ohio, she was the daughter of the late Fred Hamilton and Florence A. Kapitzky Park. She married Richard Wheelock Gilpatric who preceded her in death on February 22, 1974, then married Martin Karl Nurmi who preceded her in death on September 12, 2008. Mary Ellen is survived by a son, Peter Taft Gilpatric and his wife, Yvonne, a step son, Michael Nurmi and his wife, Debbie, of Saipan, twin step daughters, Katherine "Kate" Nurmi, of State College, Susan Nurmi, of Germany, two grandchildren, Martin and Pamela, 3 step grandchildren, Solvelgj, Malte and Elias and one great grandchild, Martin. Mary Ellen led a long and rich life. She attended Western Reserve University and Wooster College in Ohio. Upon graduation she enlisted in the American Red Cross and served three years overseas in India during WWII. Upon her return she married Richard and together they raised their two sons in North Canton, Ohio. Once the children were school age, Mary Ellen went back to college to become a teacher. Her academic pursuits blossomed and she became the first woman to receive a PHD in the English Department at Kent State University. Mary Ellen actively used her PHD during a 30 year career at Mount Union College in Alliance Ohio. She attained full professorship and became the first woman to receive the Great Teacher Award at the College. Following the death of Richard Gilpatric in 1974, Mary Ellen married Martin Nurmi and relocated to Kent, Ohio. While in Kent, Mary Ellen and Martin travelled extensively including teaching assignments abroad. Soon after Y2K, Mary Ellen and Martin relocated to the Village at Penn State to enjoy their final years. Memorial contributions may be directed to Village at Penn State, 260 Lions Hill Rd, State College, PA 16803. 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. Private services were held.