Volunteers remembered for their service, kindness

With heavy hearts we say goodbye to two of our treasured Girl Scout sisters.

Ni Carlson

Naomi "Ni" Carlson of Bradford started her Girl Scouting journey in 1945. She served in many roles in Girl Scouts, from troop leader to member of the council board of directors.

In 1994 she received the Thanks Badge II, which is the highest Award in Girl Scouting for adults. 

Ni was beloved to girls, adult volunteers and staff at GSWPA.

Ni passed away on May 14. You can read Ni's obituary here.

Jackie Schoch

Dr. Jacqueline L. Schoch, DuBois, was a dedicated volunteer for many organizations in her community. She served on the board of directors for Keystone Tall Tree Girl Scout Council, one of the councils that merged to form GSWPA. 

She also received the council's Woman of Honor award.

Jackie's legacy to support Girl Scouts continues as hundreds of girls make new friends, try new things and make a lifetime of memories every summer at the lodge at Camp Curry Creek that bears her name. You can view her obituary here.

Both women will be deeply missed by our Girl Scout family.

Our thoughts and prayers are with their families during this difficult time.

Jackie Schoch Lodge at Camp Curry Creek

Fourth generation volunteer remembered

"Miss Betty" McDade was 74 years old when she became a Girl Scout volunteer to help with her great-granddaughter Elizabeth's Daisy troop, along with her daughter Virginia McDade-Foster and granddaughter Linda Brison. The four generations are shown here at the Girl Scouts 100th Anniversary celebration parade in downtown Pittsburgh in 2012. 

"She was truly an inspiration to our girls," says Virginia, of Washington. "Even when she was no longer able to be a regular volunteer, she made frequent visits to see the girls and help them, whether showing them a simple sewing stitch or helping them earn their Brownie Fair Play badge by talking about athletics of the past and how they differ today."  

Betty passed away on April 29. Our condolences are with her family, along with all the Girl Scouts who were fortunate enough to have "Miss Betty" as a mentor.