Laura Jane Ulmer

Laura Jane Ulmer, age 97, of Glen Mills, PA, formerly of Havertown, PA, passed away peacefully on June 10, 2024.

Born in Waynesboro, PA, May 28, 1927, she was the daughter of the late Paul C. and Lucille (née Fowler) Moomaw. 

 Laura was the beloved wife of the late Clement Parke Ulmer (1924-1996) whom she married in 1947; the loving mother of Diane Pedersen (Peder) and Ross Ulmer (Suzi); the caring grandmother of Tim Ulmer, LeeLee Kehner (Colin), Frank Ulmer (Anne), Maggie Spica (Nick), Tessa Esposito (Rob), Danny Ulmer, Christopher Pedersen, and the late Alexis Ulmer. She was the cherished great-grandmother of Aubrey and Liam. Laura is also survived by her sister-in-law, Carol Moomaw, as well as her many nieces and nephews. She is predeceased by her brothers, Paul B. Moomaw (Esther) and S. Joseph Moomaw.

 Laura met her “Clem” at the University of Pennsylvania and was married in August before her junior year. She was a lifetime member of Alpha Chi Omega sorority and graduated Penn in 1949 with a degree in Business. Moving to Havertown in 1951, she taught nursery school until her two children started school. Laura then began her 25-year career at Haverford Senior High School as an English teacher and guidance counselor, and later as a drama teacher— all while earning her M.A. degree in Education at Temple University, plus another 30 credits at area colleges.

She made time to act in more than a dozen theatre productions at the Colonial Playhouse in Aldan, PA, and work in enough in films and commercials to become a member of SAG/AFTRA. She sewed and knitted extensively for herself, her family, and their home, as well delving into numerous other crafts through the years. She started researching the family tree long before the internet, some 50 years ago, and was still active until this year. With summers off while teaching, she organized camping trips for the family all over the States, Canada, Mexico, and Europe—in 1960, intrepidly taking her 10 and 8-year old children camping across the U.S. solo! She and Clem travelled widely across the globe before and after retirement.

 Laura and her family were active members of St. James UCC in Havertown. She and Clem sang in the choir for decades. In retirement, they began a monthly meal ministry to the unhoused in the 69th Street area of Philadelphia with other area churches. For many years, they volunteered for area golf tournaments, Laura as a driver and Clem as a marshal.

 Laura remained in the same home in Havertown, PA, for over 50 years and then at age 80 moved to Maris Grove in Glen Mills, PA, where she enjoyed nearly 17 years of active participation in clubs and activities, and built many warm friendships with both residents and staff. The family is eternally grateful for the loving care she received in her rehabilitation since December, and during hospice. 

Relatives and friends are invited to a memorial celebration of her life to be held in the chapel at Maris Grove on August 24, 2024 at 10:00 AM. Interment will be held privately.

 In lieu of flowers, contributions in Laura’s memory can be directed to the Essential Tremor Foundation, P.O. Box 14005, Lenexa, KS 66285, https://essentialtremor.org/ or a non-profit of your choosing.