Mary M. ‘Marg’ BeirLair April 17, 1927-Dec. 6, 2022 Mary M. ‘Marg’ BeirLair, 95, Annandale, Virginia, formerly of Altoona, peacefully passed away after a lengthy illness on Tuesday, December 6, 2022 at her daughter’s home where she had been residing for several years.

Born in Gallitzin, PA to parents Mary (Melley) Noel and Charles B. Noel. She had one brother she was predeceased by Charles (Barry) Noel. She married Robert (Bob) BeirLair in 1959, he preceded her in death on Oct. 14, 2018.

Marg is survived by her daughter Anne Akers-Smith and husband Michael Smith of Annandale, VA; four grandchildren: Maxwell, Elon, Charlette, Aiden; and great-grandson, Noah.

She graduated from Mount Aloysius Academy in 1944 and Mount Aloysius Jr. College in 1946 with a degree in Pre-Laboratory Technology. She loved her time at Mount Aloysius and maintained her ties with the school throughout her life. While there, she played basketball, sang in the choir, and was on the newspaper staff. After graduating, she worked as a medical lab technician until 1960, when she became a parent and homemaker. Marg went back to school later in life and graduated from Penn State University in 1993 with an Associate Degree in Arts and in 1996 with a Bachelor of Arts.

Marg was very involved in her community; having been a member of the YMCA board for several years. She was a YMCA swim official and was a PIAA swim official for 30 years. Marg was a member of Healthy Steps in motions since the very first organization meeting (when it was called PEPPI) until she became ill.

She was an election official for many years. Marg volunteered with the Great Books program in the 70s at St. Mary’s and strongly believed in literacy. She volunteered for many years in the Altoona Area Public Schools working with second grade students on their reading skills.

She was a devout and active member of Immaculate Conception (or St. Mary’s Catholic Church) in Altoona since 1965.

Throughout her life she enjoyed many and varied sports including bowling, tennis, swimming, and cross country-skiing.

The Girl Scouts was a very important part of Marg’s life. She was a troop leader for 15 years and the day camp director at Camp Happy Trails for many years in the late 60s and early 70s. She stayed a girl scout throughout her life.

Marg was an avid Penn State fan, she and her husband Bob rarely missed a game and traveled the country following the team. Most of all, Marg loved her family and her family loved her, she will be greatly missed. Friends will be received from 10-11 am on Monday, January 9, 2023 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, 1405 5th Ave., Altoona, Pa. 16602, where a funeral Mass will immediately follow at 11 am with Fr. Lubomir Strecok, celebrant. Committal will be held at Calvary Cemetery. The family requests that contributions be made in Marg’s memory to: St. Mary’s Catholic Church, 1405 5th Ave., Altoona, Pa. 16602 or a favorite charity of your choice in Marg’s memory. Arrangements are provided by The Stevens Mortuary, Inc., 1421 8th Ave., Altoona, Pa. 16602. Loving thoughts can be made at www.stevensfamilyfuneralhomes.com or Stevens Family Funeral Homes Facebook.