Martha Wilson Hensel

Citizens Library retiree. Martha Wilson Hensel, 86, of Washington, died Wednesday, January 16, 2008, in Washington Hospital, following a brief illness. She was born in Hickory, a daughter of Robert Alexander and Mary Edna McCollum Wilson. A 1940 graduate of Hickory High School, she earned an associate's degree from Washington Female Seminary in 1942. A certified professional librarian, she started her career in 1977 with Citizens Library in Washington, serving as a circulation manager, interlibrary loan and audiovisual librarian, as well as outreach librarian, district consultant, assistant director and acting director. She also was the library's storyteller for many years. Mrs. Hensel retired in 1991 after 31 years of service. She was a member of Church of the Covenant and served as an elder, deacon, Sunday school teacher and choir mother. Mrs. Hensel was active in the alumni association of the Washington Female Seminary. On March 4, 1944, she married George S. Hensel, who died July 8, 2003. Surviving are a son, Donald (Linda) Hensel of Locust Grove, Ga.; three daughters, Terrie (Gordon Gallant) Costello, C. Suzanne Hensel and Janice H. (Joseph) Murdoch, all of Washington; and five grandchildren, Christopher Costello, Andrew Murdoch, Lowrie Deegan, Martha Hensel and Philip Hensel. Deceased is a brother, Robert A. Wilson. A service will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, January 19, in Church of the Covenant, 267 East Beau Street, Washington, with the Rev. David Turner, the Rev. Hugh Crawford and Randy Boyer officiating. Burial will be in Mt. Prospect Cemetery at the convenience of the family. The family suggests memorial contributions to American Heart Association, 777 Penn Center Boulevard, Suite 200, Pittsburgh, PA 15235; American Diabetes Association, 300 Penn Center Boulevard, Suite 602, Pittsburgh, PA 15235; or Children's Department at Citizens Library, 55 South College Street, Washington, PA 15301. Arrangements by William G. Neal Funeral Homes Ltd., 925 Allison Avenue.