Marian R. Peifer

Marian R. Peifer, 82, of New Cumberland, passed away September 12, 2015, after a brief illness. She was a teacher, counselor, advisor, psychologist and community volunteer. She was born May 5, 1933 to the late Russell E. H. and Marguerite (Gipple) Romberger.
Following graduation from John Harris in 1951, Dr. Peifer received her Bachelor of Science degree in 1955 and a Master of Education degree in 1958, from the Pennsylvania State University. She then received her PhD in 1971 from the University of Delaware.
Career concentrations were in Home Economics and Educational Counseling at Penn State and Educational and Developmental Psychology at the University of Delaware. She interned at Bucknell University in graduate school psychology in 1973. She was certified to teach Home Economics and General Science, to serve as a Guidance Counselor and to supervise Pupil Personnel Services and provide School Psychological Services.
In these capacities, she held positions as teacher, counselor, lecturer or advisor at Lebanon Valley College (University Center), Harrisburg Area Community College, and West Shore, Bald Eagle and Coatesville, Pennsylvania school districts. Her longest tenure was at Susquehanna Township School District as Director of Pupil Services and Coordinator of Special Education from 1974 to 1995.
Her professional organizations included the American Psychological Association, both the Pennsylvania and National Associations of Pupil Services Administrators, the Tri-County Mental Health Association, the Pennsylvania State Education Associate and the Pennsylvania Associate of School Retirees.
In additional to her professional career, she was dedicated to the John Harris High School, Penn State, genealogy research and historic preservation. Her membership recruitment, fundraising ability and event planning success resulted in new enterprises, scholarships and library improvements. For John Harris High School, she served on reunion committees and funded scholarships. As president of the Greater Harrisburg Alumnae Club, she planned welcoming events for the proposed Hershey Medical Center and provided scholarships and text books at the Penn State Harrisburg Campus. As president of the Harrisburg Home Economics Club, she helped fund scholarships for Home Economics majors.
She attended many Penn State Campus events while visiting the family cabin near State College, which provided many seasonal activities. She was a member of the Nittany Lion and Quarterback Clubs and Alpha Omicron Pi Sorority.
In regard to genealogy research, she was active member of the Harrisburg Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution. During her 10 years as Registrar, she introduced 99 new members to the organization. She was hostess at DAR and SAR meetings and patriotic events. She was a member of the National Trust for Historic Preservation and chair of the Historic Preservation for the DAR chapter. She had belonged to many local historical societies.
She was a Board member of the Friends of the State Museum, a member of the Friends of the Hershey Museum, a Trustee of the New Cumberland Library and founding member of the ZONTA Club of Harrisburg-Hershey.
For 65 years, she was a member of the Paxton Presbyterian Church, at times teaching Sunday school and organizing church-related events. She is survived by her husband of 58 years, Dr. John E. Peifer, daughter Marian P. Clark (Thomas), son James R. Peifer and granddaughter Kathryn L. Clark.
Private graveside services will be held at Paxtang Cemetery with the Rev. John W. Green officiating. A public memorial service will be held at a later date to be announced.
In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the Paxton Presbyterian Church, 3500 Sharon Street, Harrisburg, Pa 17111. For more information or to send messages of condolence, please visit www.Parthemore.com.