Anna Mary Loope, 67, of State College, PA, passed away on Thursday, September 1st. Born January 3, 1955 in Huntingdon PA, she was the daughter of the late Stella McKinnis Loope and John Loope. Anna Mary graduated in the class of 1972 from Mount Union Area High School and obtained her Associates Degree from the Central Penn School for Business in 1974. Anna Mary then began her career at Penn State University in 1974. She held positions in colleges of Liberal Arts, Health and Human Development, and retired after 40 years of service in 2014 from the Smeal College of Business.
Anna Mary was a member of Our Lady of Victory Catholic Church, where she volunteered during Lent season for the parish’s pierogi dinner events. She was also a member of the American Legion Post 245, Elks Club, and VFW. She also volunteered her time for many years helping to run the Slavic Folk Festival through the University.
An avid Penn State football fan, she hosted many tailgates over the years filled with good food and great memories. As soon as they could talk, the “We are” chant was taught to both of her grandchildren, who called her “Baba,” with whom she loved spending time with after her retirement. Anna Mary enjoyed golfing, traveling, trips to the Casino with her sister Kathleen, spending time at the beach and trips to Baltimore to visit Nicole and her family. Over the years, Anna Mary donated her time and resources to local animal rescues, eventually adopting three dogs, giving them care, a lot of love and a better home. Most recently, you could always find her dog Oreo, by her side. Anna Mary’s family and friends always looked forward to “pierogi season,” where she put many hours into the generational recipe handed down from her grandparents, a true labor of love. In keeping this tradition alive, Anna Mary and Nicole, and eventually, her grandchildren, became a part of the pierogi making tradition.
Surviving Anna Mary is one daughter, Nicole Smalley (husband, Josh Knorovsky), two grandchildren, Kamryn and Levi, sister Kathleen Pierman, nephew, John Pierman, and many cousins.
Friends and family will be received from 3pm to 5pm on Thursday September 8th at Haky/Georgiana Centre County Funeral Home, 1034 Benner Pike, State College, PA. Directly following at the funeral home, a memorial service with Deacon Lapinski, will be held at 5 pm. Please join us for A Celebration of Life at Champs Restaurant (1611 N. Atherton Street, State College, PA 16803), following the service.
Memorial contributions in remembrance of Anna Mary Loope, may be given to PAWS, centrecountypaws.org/donate 1401 Trout Road, 16801.