Elsa A. Smitheman (Allinson) of Doylestown, PA and formerly Mechanicsville, PA, passed away peacefully at Doylestown Hospital on June 1, 2017. She was 81.

“Peg” was born in Newtown, Pa to John D. and Anna (Younggren) Allinson. She was the little sister of Anna Kathryn and John Nils Allinson, and was the loving and devoted wife to Thomas N. Smitheman, Sr., who died in 1997.

Peg graduated from Council Rock High School in 1954, where she played field hockey and was a cheerleader. She then attended attended Slippery Rock University and graduated from Shippensburg University in 1958. It was while attending Shippensburg that she met “Tom” the handsome co-captain of the football team. They were married in 1958.

Her teaching career began in the Pennsbury School District, then to Council Rock where she taught Elementary Education for over 25 years. Her gift of creativity and knowledge in the classroom allowed many little people to bloom into their potential.

Peg and Tom enjoyed entertaining family and friends in their home, road trips with their children, summer vacations in Harvey Cedars, NJ, and were able to travel the world. They especially enjoyed their sailboat, the “Time Out” with family and friends.

Upon retirement, Peg started her business, “The Story Vine,” which tapped into the age-old oral tradition of story telling. Many groups have enjoyed her lively and inspired presentations – from children to senior citizens.

She was a long time member of Doylestown United Methodist Church where she taught Sunday School, provided Children’s Sermons and was active with the annual Peach Festival. She was a past president and member of the Lingohocken Garden Club, Doylestown Knitters, and she loved her Tai Chi classes at the Senior Center.

Peg will be mourned and loved always by her three children, Kathryn S. Finch (Jeffrey), Lynlee S. Nolan (Eric), Thomas N. Smitheman, Jr. (Kimberly); her five beautiful grandchildren, Chelsea (Will), Elleny (Chris), Taylor, Chandler, Abigail. She was also blessed to be the “GG” to great grandchildren Christopher and Evelyn.

A memorial service will be held at Doylestown United Methodist Church, 320 E. Swamp Road, Doylestown, PA 18901 on Saturday June 10, 2017 at 1:00 p.m. Family will receive visitors from 12:00-1:00 pm.

Interment will be private.

In lieu of floral bouquets, Peg’s love of gardening would be best memorialized by donations made to Lingohocken Garden Club, c/o Judy Finch, 32 Willow Court, New Hope, PA 18938.

Her family wishes to thank the special team of nurses at Doylestown Hospital who showed compassion, kindness and caring during her stay.

Send condolences to www.varcoethomasfuneralhome.com