Katharine "Kay" Merkel

Katharine Benner Merkel, 88, died on May 21, 2009 in Pine Run Health Center, Doylestown. She was predeceased by her loving husband, Clair J. Merkel, who died in 1990 and her sister, Dorothea, who died in 1966. Born in Allentown on July 5, 1920 she was the daughter of the late Hartford and Marian (Oppenlander) Benner.

Kay attended Moravian College, Bethlehem, for two years before transferring to Temple University where she earned her bachelor of arts degree in music education. She taught music for one year in Lower Makefield Township Public schools before enlisting in the United States Marine Corp Womens Reserves in February 1944. Following Boot Camp, Kay attended the Link Trainer School and became an instructor of instrument flying for pilots until her discharge in February 1946. Her love of flying led to her obtaining a private pilots license. She was the first woman pilot to fly cross country from the Quakertown Airport. Kay taught music for two years in various Upper Bucks schools and did substitute teaching for 35 years in several area school districts. In 2000, Kay moved from Perkasie to the Pine Run Community where she served on numerous committees and was instrumental in the establishment of a physical fitness center. She continued her love of music by singing in the Pine Run Chorus and the Lenape Valley Presbyterian Church Choir.

Services: A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, May 30, at the Lenape Valley Presbyterian Church, at the intersection of Route 202 W. Butler Avenue and Ute Road, New Britain, Pa.

Published in Morning Call on May 26, 2009* Reference: Find A Grave Memorial - SmartCopy: Feb 5 2022, 22:44:17 UTC