Elizabeth H. Gisburne | Volunteer, 91

Elizabeth Haig Gisburne, 91, of Worcester, a community volunteer, died March 21 at Mercy Suburban Hospital in Norristown of a heart attack.

Mrs. Gisburne volunteered at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania for 12 years and was active with the women's group at the Church of St. Martin-in-the-Field in Chestnut Hill.

She and her husband, Gene D. Gisburne, ran the junior sports program at the Philadelphia Cricket Club for four years, and for 25 years she was active with the Girls National Tennis Tournament played at the club. Her true love, though, said her daughter, Anne Hess, was the club's women's bridge team. She played bridge at the club until three years ago.

Mrs. Gisburne grew up in Philadelphia. She earned a bachelor's degree from the University of Pennsylvania, where she played hockey and basketball and captained the swim team. She was senior class president and continued to be president of the Class of 1936 after graduation.

She taught science and physical education at Lansdale High School until her first child was born. She and her husband raised a family in Chestnut Hill.

Mrs. Gisburne enjoyed travel, crossword puzzles, cats, and gardening and was a member of the Society of Little Gardens. "She could make a stick grow," Hess said.

In addition to her daughter, she is survived by seven grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren. Her husband of 40 years died in 1979. Her son, Gene, died in 1985.

A memorial service will be at 11 a.m. Monday at Church of St. Martin-in-the-Field, 8000 St. Martin's Lane, Chestnut Hill.