For 38 years, Louise Biddle was a second grade teacher at Roosevelt School in the then Jefferson Township School District. But her service to the community extended for more than 75 years. On Thursday, February 27, Mrs. Biddle passed away at the age of 100.
Mrs. Biddle – born in April 1924 to James and Barbara Argiro and raised in Everton, West Virginia – pursued an education career as a student at then Fairmont State College. During her time in college, she worked full-time as a second-shift worker at the Westinghouse factory in Fairmont. After graduation, she was hired at the old Roosevelt School in Large before the start of the 1947-1948 school year. At Roosevelt, Mrs. Biddle met her husband Charles who was an English teacher.
Louise retired in 1985, but her impact continued. In fact, right after her retirement the district superintendent asked Mrs. Biddle to step in and teach a fifth grade class at McClellan Elementary School which she did for nearly six months. Mrs. Biddle then continued working with students as a tutor until she was 98. Mrs. Biddle also served on West Elizabeth Borough’s council and as recording secretary for the West Jefferson Hills Chamber of Commerce
Mrs. Biddle shared words of wisdom that she learned and lived by, which included “A Time for Every Purpose,” advice to take time for working, thinking, playing, reading, being friendly, dreaming, loving, laughing, and looking at the world around you.
That advice will always stand the test of time. The world and the West Jefferson Hills School District were better places because of Mrs. Biddle.
“I am thankful to have known Mrs. Biddle, a better person because of her, and grateful for the many lessons and positivity that she exuded in every interaction I ever had with her,” said West Jefferson Hills School District Superintendent Dr. Janet Sardon.
Family and friends will be received Tuesday, March 4 and Wednesday, March 5 from 2 to 4 p.m. and 6 to 9 p.m. at Stephen Slater Funeral Home in Jefferson Hills. A funeral mass will take place at St. Isaac Jogues Church on Thursday, March 6 at 10 a.m. Mrs. Biddle’s obituary can be found by clicking here.