Miriam W. Forsythe, of Millheim, lovingly known as “The Purple Lady”, passed away on Saturday, March 8, 2014 at The Hearthside in State College. Born in Mt. Jackson, Miriam was a daughter of the late William A. and Ida Pearl Martin Wallace. She was a graduate of Mt. Jackson High School and went on to attain a Bachelor's Degree in Elementary Education from Lock Haven University. On September 14, 1940 she married J. Leroy “Doc” Forsythe who preceded her in death on November 21, 1976.
After her marriage to Doc, Miriam assisted him in running the Millheim Pharmacy and soda fountain where she made many longtime friends and acquaintances and became the “Mother of Millheim” to the many children that frequented the soda fountain. The drugstore was her life. She also enjoyed attending antique car shows, going on bus trips and spending time with her family, many friends and loyal canine companions. Miriam was a member of St. John's Lutheran Church, the East Penns Valley Women's Club, the Millheim Fire Co. Auxiliary, the Bellefonte Moose, the Bellefonte Elks Club and the Antique Automobile Club of America. Miriam loved the color purple, therefore earning her nickname “The Purple Lady”.
Miriam is survived by one daughter, Betsy Forsythe of Millheim along numerous nieces, nephews and one special god granddaughter, Lindsey Bell of Centre Hall. She is the last of her family, having been preceded in death by her siblings, Harold Wallace, Althea “Girlie” Harmon, and twins, Paul Wallace and Pauline Stephens.
A visitation will be held for family and friends at the Steven R. Neff Funeral Home in Millheim on Wednesday, March 12 from 6-8 pm and Thursday, March 13 from 10-11 am. The funeral service will follow at 11:00 am with Pastor Julia Sprenkle officiating. Miriam will be laid to rest in Fairview Cemetery in Millheim. Contributions in her memory may be given to Millheim Fire Co., Attn Dennis Heggenstaller, Po Box 656, Millheim, Pa 16854 or to Pets Come First, 2451 General Potter Highway, Centre Hall, Pa. 16828.