Paulena McDowell Piper

Wellsville, NY - Paulena McDowell Piper, 88, of 3441 Moonlight Drive passed away Tuesday, (October 23, 2012 at Jones Memorial Hospital. She was born February 14, 1924 in Tioga, PA the daughter of the late Zora and Helen (Torrence) LaPolt. On January 18, 1944 in Wellsville married Gerald L. McDowell who predeceased her on October 1, 1996. On August 20, 2001 she married Edward W. Piper who predeceased her on March 28, 2011. 

Paulena was very active in the United Methodist Church of Wellsville and in the Order of the Eastern Star. She was a member of the Burton Chapter #129 of the Eastern Star; honorary member of the Olean Order of the Amaranth; Past Matron of the Burton Chapter #129 O.E.S; Past District Deputy Grand Matron, Allegany District O.E.S; Past Royal Matron of Friendship Court #59 Order of Amaranth; Past District Deputy Grand Royal Matron, Order of Amaranth; Past Grand Musician, Order of Amaranth and Organist for Burton Chapter, Friendship Court and Emmanus Shrine. Paulena worked in many fields including owning and operating Jeri's Beauty Shop, working for Wellsville Burial Case, dental assistant of Dr. Harvey Spencer, bookkeeper and secretary for Scoville Brown, legal secretary for Ellis J. Hopkins and later for J. Donald Hauselt. Paulena wrote many presentations for various Masonic orders over the years, taught Sunday School and directed the children's choir for many years at the United Methodist Church, did handiwork as a hobby, presenting many handmade items to her friends and performed vocal selections with her sister, Louise, at many Masonic functions. 

Survivors include: a son, Jerry L. McDowell of Rochester; a grandson, Richard J. McDowell of Rochester; a granddaughter, Emma McDowell of Rochester; a sister, Louise E. Brown of Wellsville; a nephew, Todd F. [Marylise] of Virginia Beach, VA. ; a great nephew, William F. Brown of Virginia Beach, VA.

Friends are invited to call on Saturday, October 27, from 12 noon to 2 pm, at which time her funeral will held, in the J. W. Embser Sons Funeral Home in Wellsville. Rev. Stan Scoville will preside with burial in Woodlawn Cemetery. Memorials may be made to the Wellsville Volunteer Ambulance Corps. To leave online condolences please visit www.embserfuneralhome.com.