Twila Sara Whalen, passed away peacefully on October 19, 2013 in Elk Grove, California. She was 97 years old. Twila was born in in Williamsport, Pennsylvania on November 5, 1915 to Margaret "Effie" (Clowes) and John Christian Wagener. A talented artist, Twila attended Buffalo State University and graduated in 1938 with a Bachelor of Art degree in Art Education and began her career as a high school art teacher. She married William Whalen in 1946 and moved to Attica New York where they raised their two daughters, Margaret and Maureen. She was an art teacher at Alexander High School for 22 years and in 1976 she retired after a total of 27 years of teaching. Twila was a dedicated Christian and active member in her church, the New Life Fellowship in Attica, New York. She enjoyed hosting weekly Bible Study groups and spending much of her efforts for God. She loved to draw and paint and she showed her appreciation of natures beauty in her artwork.
Twila is survived by her brother, Phillip Wagener, her nephew, Robert Wagener, her daughter, Margaret (Whalen) LaPlaunt and her husband, Greg, her granddaughter Erin (LaPlaunt) Hohl, grandson Gregory LaPlaunt and Great- Grandson, Tommy Hohl.
There will be no prior calling hours and Funeral Services will be held privately. She will be laid to rest at Forest Hill Cemetery in Attica.
For more information please call (585) 343-8260 or to sign the online guest registry please visit www.gilmartinfuneralhome.com. Arrangements completed by Gilmartin Funeral Home & Cremation Company, Inc. 329-333 West Main Street Batavia, New York 14020.
