Elma Isabelle (Gorgas) Massie

New Middletown - Elma Isabelle Massie, 98, of New Middletown, died Friday afternoon, July 20, 2018 at Masternick Memorial.

Elma was born to Chester and Mary Slaven Gorgas in her family home on Harvey Street in Struthers on January 20, 1920.

Raised in Struthers, Elma was a 1938 graduate of Struthers High School. Shortly after graduation, Elma married the love of her life, Leonard William Massie, Sr., on September 12, 1938 and they settled in Struthers to raise their family. With three teenagers in the home, Elma decided to pursue her dream of nursing and enrolled at Youngstown College where she received her bachelor degree in 1956. Elma taught nursing at Southside Hospital, Trumbull Memorial Hospital and Youngstown State University.

Due to her husband's work with the United States Navy, Elma's family was relocated to Washington DC and Elma was employed as an instructor at Sibley Hospital School of Nursing. In 1967 She and her husband made the decision to move to Laguna Hills, California to be with family. It was then Elma decided to pursue her master degree as a nurse practitioner from John Wayne Hospital at UCLA. In those days, Elma was one of a few who were pioneers in the field of nurse practitioner. Once she received her masters, Elma was hired as director of nursing for the new Saddleback Hospital in Laguna Hills and was responsible for the hiring and training of all nursing personnel. After four years Elma left Saddleback to take the position as school nurse for the Westminister School District at a time when there was an influx of students from Vietnam due to the war. Elma was in charge of seven elementary schools and she held this position dear to her heart. She loved being with the children. Elma retired at 66 years young.

Elma was a member the National Association of School of Nurses, National Registry of Nurses, Alumni of UCLA School of Nursing, and CALTRS. Elma was a member of Laguna Hills Church where she sang in the choir.

When not working, Elma and Leonard enjoyed traveling by motor home throughout the United States with their children and then grandchildren.  They also enjoyed traveling their native countries, Scotland, Wales and England and for work, China. At home, Elma loved working in her yard. She mastered the art of gardening and raising roses.

Her husband, Leonard, preceded her in death on April 17, 2003; Elma leaves two daughters, Carol Ann Booher Haynes of Struthers and Barbara Ellen Ankeny of Luguna Hills, CA; one son, Leonard William Massie, Jr. of Lake Tomahawk, OH; six grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; and three great-great-grandchildren.

In addition to her parents, Elma was preceded in death by her three brothers, Robert, Arthur and William Gorgas; three sisters, Jessie and Mary Crawford, and Virginia Sirmon; and one granddaughter, Carolyn.

Due to her wishes there will be are no services or calling hours for Elma.

Condolences may be sent at www.beckerobits.com.