Louise Courtney February 7, 1934 – June 6, 2026

Montoursville – Louise Courtney, 92, of Montoursville, passed away Saturday, June 6, 2026, at Celebration Villa of Loyalsock.

Born February 7, 1934, in West Grove, PA, she was a daughter of the late Lewis and Blanche (Thomas) Needham. Raised on a farm in Avon Grove, PA, Louise developed a strong, lifelong work ethic at an early age. She graduated from Avon Grove High School in 1951, went on to earn her bachelor’s degree from Penn State University in 1956, and later completed her master’s degree.

Louise began her dedicated career teaching physical education at Montoursville Area High School, where she met the love of her life, Robert Courtney. The two were wed in 1957 and shared a lifetime of wonderful adventures. Throughout her years as an educator, she also taught within the Loyalsock School District, the Williamsport Area Community College, and the Williamsport Area School District, ultimately concluding her career at Sheridan, Jefferson, and Round Hills elementary schools.

An energetic leader and mentor, Louise coached field hockey at Lycoming College, served as a cheerleader advisor, coached tennis, and ran summer playgrounds. She was also a gymnastics club coach and was involved in numerous other youth activities. During her summers, she lent her time and talents to the School of Hope, H&R Block, and Camp Cadet.

Louise was a woman of vibrant passions and diverse hobbies. She was a dedicated animal lover and took immense joy in spending time with her family, which included hosting a beloved, yearly “crabfest” several years in a row. A true enthusiast of life, her hobbies included gardening, making birdhouses, sunbathing, beachcombing, sewing, quilting, crafting, cooking, entertaining, and decorating meticulously for every holiday. She prioritized health and fitness, enjoying biking, hiking, walking, golfing, and painting rocks.

The Garden Club was her true passion, and she thoroughly enjoyed being an active part of the Montoursville Historical Society. Deeply community-minded, she was a frequent blood donor and playfully cut hair and pierced ears for those around her. A woman of faith, Louise attended Bible Study Fellowship for many years, actively helping with their children’s programs and deeply loving her church and its community activities. She was also an incredibly enthusiastic Philadelphia Phillies fan who rarely missed listening to a game on her trusted 1960s AM radio.

In retirement, Bob and Louise traveled extensively in their RV, exploring the United States alongside a wonderful group of close friends, and spent every winter in Florida. Their travels also took them to Europe to visit their daughter and her family; arriving just as the Berlin Wall came down, they journeyed into East Germany and brought home physical pieces of history.

She is survived by a daughter, Debora (Richard) Day of Montoursville; two sons, Michael Courtney of Wilkes-Barre, and Christopher (Amy) Courtney of Poncha Springs, CO; two brothers, Donald “Buster” Needham and James “Jimmy” Needham; seven grandchildren: Mandy (Jeremy) Shire, Dustin (Heather) Daugherty, Kyle Stouffer, Courtney (Jeff) Wheeler, Hunter Day, Robert Courtney, and Morgan Courtney; ten great-grandchildren; and two great-great-grandchildren.

In addition to her parents, Louise was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Robert Courtney; a brother, John “Willie” Needham; and a sister, Marjorie Pickel.

Celebration of Life Services

A Celebration of Life will be held on Monday, June 15, 2026, from 2:00 PM to 5 p.m. at the First Christian Church of Montoursville, 5329 Lycoming Mall Dr., Montoursville, with Mark Beard officiating. At 3 p.m., Mark will lead family and friends in prayer and share a brief eulogy to honor Louise’s memory. Burial will be held privately at Twin Hills Memorial Park.

Arrangements have been entrusted to McCarty-Thomas Funeral Home, Montoursville.

Memorial Contributions & Tributes

The family will provide the flowers and kindly suggests memorial contributions be directed to:

The Montoursville Garden Club – Montoursville Garden Club C/O Lucille Devore 113 Sunset DR, Montoursville, PA. 17754.

Good Samaritan Wildlife Center / Lycoming County Wildlife Rehabilitation * Email: Goodsamaritanwildlife@gmail.com (or via the donation QR code provided at the service)

A Colorful Request: Louise absolutely loved the color purple. In her vibrant honor, the family warmly invites everyone attending her services to wear a little touch of purple.

Expressions of sympathy and shared memories may be sent to the family online at mccartythomas.com.