Sharon “Sue” Eileen Lowe, 69, of Muncy, passed away July 31, 2022.
She was born November 14, 1952 in Williamsport, daughter of Blanchard and Martha M. (Solomon) Baker.
Sue was brought up in a very patriotic family. Her mother taught her and her seven siblings to be very respectful of the flag. She taught flag etiquette and respect for what the flag stood for.
Her oldest brother wanted to go in the Air Force but an accident to his right hand left him without a thumb, so he could not enlist. Her sister (6th child) spent three years in the Air Force and her brother (7th child) spent three years in the Army. So, she figured she better cover the Navy. She also had a niece and nephew who went into the Army.
So, she enlisted in the Navy on May 6, 1986 and spent three tours being discharged on January 9, 1995. She enlisted under the Advanced Paygrade Program (APG) where she went in as a Third-Class Petty Officer, but had to complete the courses for E1 and E2 and other requirements to keep her paygrade. She then took the E5 exam and became a Storekeeper Second Class. She spent the first of her tours at the Naval Reserve Center located in Williamsport.
Her second tour was at Command Naval Reserve Force located in New Orleans, LA. Working at Naval Reserve Financial Information Processing Center. While there in 1989 she was chosen as Sailor of the Quarter and Sailor of the year. One of her extra duties was as a duty driver where she drove the Under-Secretary of the Navy while he conducted his business in New Orleans. She joined the Petty Officer Association in New Orleans for three years and was treasurer for two years.
Her third tour was again at the Naval Reserve Center in Williamsport. Besides her duties at the Reserve Center, she was on the inspection team conducting inspections at other Reserve Centers. She was a life member of The American Legion Post #268 located in Muncy, PA. She has been a member for 30 years, since 1991. She was also a life (dual) member of The American Legion Auxiliary Unit #268, since 2006 and their secretary for the last eight years. Sue was also elected American Legion Post #268 Commander for the two terms (1997-1999), also adjutant for the last 10 years. She was also elected Lycoming County American Legion Commander for a term of three years (2002-2005) and adjutant for two years. She was also elected in 2014-2016 as American Legion 16th District Commander where under her charge were 22 Legions from three counties. Also served as an adjutant for the district for four years. She was a proud member of the Past District Commanders Association. Sue was also a life member since 2003 of the Muncy Veterans of Foreign Wars Unit 3428 Auxiliary and served as secretary for two years. Where she has volunteered for various benefits for veterans. Other Veterans organizations that she belonged to consists of the Lycoming County Veterans Council for the last 10 plus years, where she served as the Second Vice, then First Vice, then President for one year.
She was one of the founding members of the Lycoming County Hometown Heroes, Inc. Which started in 2014 and have served as Secretary/Treasurer ever since. This organization allows businesses and families to purchase a Hometown Banner to honor a fallen or living veteran. Proceeds go towards helping veterans and their families that have fallen on financial hardships.
She has also been on the board of the Lycoming County Veterans Transition Center since 2017 and now was serving as the secretary for the past year. This organization holds fund raisers to benefit veterans and their families. LCVTC has donated approximately $35,000 plus to American Rescue Workers, who has helped nearly 80 Veterans with medical and utilities. With this money, ARW has also provided lodging for homeless veterans, programs to benefit the veterans for assistance to get back on their feet and have offered jobs.
Sue also served on the Veterans Day Parade Committee for two years. Through the American Legion she had participated in numerous parades and also have been on the Funeral Honor Guard to honor any fallen comrades. Some of Sue’s accomplishments are; delivered Meals on Wheels for two years, helped to organize Easter egg hunts, Halloween parties, and Christmas parties for over 30 years for veterans and their families, co-founder of Classic Car Show for nine years at the Muncy American Legion as fund raisers to help veterans and families in need, volunteered for numerous veteran related bike runs to benefit veterans and their families, also children in need of medical attention, attended three state sponsored American Legion Colleges: active, Auxiliary and adjutant programs, completed the National American Legion online college course, and attended numerous District, Central Section, State and National conferences and conventions.
Her proudest accomplishment was being the editor of The Veteran Gazette. In January 2022 was the start of the 18th year of publication. This is a small publication of veteran’s articles, recipes, etc., sort of a small newspaper. The reason for starting this was to inform the local communities of veteran organizations; 24 email subscriptions, 170 copies distributed to seven organizations, along with nine mail outs. She was the only employee, her late husband helped for 16 years until his passing. He was a Navy veteran also, GMG2.
Sue was working at Susquehanna Transit and the Muncy Legion.
She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Kenneth G. Lowe; and brothers, John, Paul, and Charles Baker.
She is survived by her sisters, Marlene “Jean” Baker, and Linda (Robert) Whiteman; and nieces and nephews.
There will be a graveside service at 11:30 a.m. on Thursday, August 4, 2022 at Green Lawn Memorial Park, Route 15, Montgomery, PA with Rev. David B. Letscher officiating. A viewing for family and friends will be Thursday from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m. at Spitler Funeral Home, 733 Broad Street, Montoursville, PA 17754. Military Honors will be accorded by Muncy American Legion Post #268 Honor Guard.
In lieu of flowers contributions may be made to Muncy American Legion Post #268, 515 Legion Road, Muncy, PA 17756.
