Editor’s Note:

We are saddened to report our long time reporter Patricia Plouffe died May 17 at the age of 90.

Plouffe was our Alburtis and Ancient Oak columnist.

In our 50th anniversary issue in 2009, Plouffe recalled how she started with The Press.

“My newspaper career began unexpectedly when a friend asked me to replace her as Emmaus Free Press’ Alburtis columnist. With no experience but with a desire to write, I agreed. My pay was 10 cents an inch (16 lines), which I received every three months.

“Being a recent New Jersey transplant, my weekly column allowed me to meet my Alburtis neighbors and to learn the history of the area. A few years later, I was asked to add the Ancient Oak column to my job until a correspondent could be hired. That was 35 years ago, but no replacement has come along.

“In addition to my two weekly columns, I was also assigned to interview various people and write about them and a number of special events. Some that come to mind are a bear-hunting family– dad and his two young children; 1976 Bicentennial events; a Vietnam War veteran and a wedding (my son’s) in Lost River Caverns in Hellertown.

“The past 41 years at The Press have been challenging and exciting. During this time, I have had a number of editors, all competent, all willing to help me when I needed it. I am thankful to them and to the many friends I have made.

“Writing, be it a novel, poems, short stories or newspaper work, challenges your mind and imagination. It and you are always a work in progress.”

One such editor, Julia Swan (Editor, East Penn Press 1984-1996) shared her thoughts on Plouffe.

“The first word that comes to mind when I think of Pat is ‘sweet.’ She was a sweet, soft-spoken woman who always seemed to have a sunny outlook, even though she had a fairly difficult life. I’m sure she treasured her friendship with Jean Stoneback and loved the borough of Alburtis,” Swan said.

Fred Masenheimer, Pencor executive vice president, shared his thoughts on Plouffe’s passing.

“It was sad news received a few days ago that informed us Pat Plouffe had passed away. We were so happy a few months ago when we were able to congratulate her with a bouquet of flowers on the occasion of her 90th birthday. Pat was a valued member of the Emmaus Free Press /East Penn Press freelance writers group for 47 years, writing her informative community columns for the paper in a folksy and personal way that kept our readers in the Alburtis and the Ancient Oak communities informed about the people and events they needed to know about. She was a great lady with an endearing chuckle of a laugh and although she was no longer able to continue her columns she will be missed as a friend and loyal member of our East Penn Press family.”

Plouffe’s daughter, Barbara said how happy her mother was to receive a number of acknowledgments for her recent 90th birthday. Thank you to all of our readers for responding to our request to send cards. She appreciated and read them all.

Plouffe’s remembrance card given at the viewing May 23, offers encouragement as we remember a member of our Press family.

“Fill not your hearts with pain and sorry, but remember me in every tomorrow. Remember the joy, the laughter, the smiles, for I’ve only gone to rest for a little while.

“Although my leaving causes pain and grief, my going has eased my hurt and given me relief. So dry your eyes and remember me, not as I am now, but as I used to be.

“I will remember you all and look on with a smile. Understanding, in your hearts, I’ve only gone to rest a little while.

“As long as I have the love of each of you, I can live my life in the hearts of all of you.”