Lehman, Elsie E. (1923-2009)

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 2009 Feb 16 p. 8

Birth date: 1923 Apr 17

text of obituary:

EMU education prof, librarian dies at 85

By Eastern Mennonite University staff

HARRISONBURG, Va. — Elsie E. Lehman, professor emerita of education at Eastern Mennonite University, died Feb. 5 at Oak Lea, Virginia Mennonite Retirement Community.

Lehman, 85, taught in EMU's education department from 1956 to 1988 and served as curriculum librarian much of that time.

She was a cousin to Esther K. Lehman and Robert C. Lehman, former EMU faculty members. All three died within one week.

Lehman was born April 17, 1923, the daughter of Daniel W. and Ada Neff Lehman.

She graduated from Eastern Mennonite School and received a bachelor's degree from Madison College, a master's degree from George Peabody College for Teachers and a specialist in education degree from Vanderbilt University.

She taught 13 years in the Rockingham County public school system, three years at New Danville (Pa.) Mennonite School and one year at Rehoboth, Ill.

She served on the editorial council for the Foundation Series Sunday school materials for the Mennonite Church; was a regular contributor to Builder, a Christian education magazine; and wrote a bimonthly page for church librarians as well as numerous articles on teaching.

"There's something uncanny about Elsie, Robert and Esther Lehman all gong so close together," said Kathie Weaver Kurtz of Manasses, a first and second cousin once removed to Elsie Lehman. "Elsie was a double cousin to Esther and Bob. Their fathers were brothers and their mothers first cousins. They grew up in adjoining houses, went tot eh same elementary school, high school and college; all taught at EMC; Elsie and Esther both went to Peabody College for master's work, taught in the education department and spent the final days of their lives in the same nursing home."

A memorial service was held Feb. 8 at Weavers Mennonite Church in Harrisonburg, where Lehman was a member, church librarian and served 12 years as superintendent of the children's Sunday school department.