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The founder of Penn-Mont Academy is being remembered as a pioneer in her field.
Aline D. Wolf, 95, of Fort Myers, Fla., formerly of Altoona, passed away peacefully with her loving family by her side on
Feb. 4 following some recent health setbacks.
Penn-Mont Academy, a name derived from uniting the words, Pennsylvania and Montessori, was originally named Wolf Academy by its co-founders, Aline and Gerald Wolf.
The Wolfs, with the help of Nancy Rambusch, a Montessori educator from Connecticut, opened what would become Penn-Mont Academy in their Altoona home in 1961.
It was the first Montessori school to be licensed in Pennsylvania and the third in the nation.
The Wolfs founded Penn-Mont in direct response to the limitations of traditional teaching methods they experienced in the elementary education of their three oldest children.
They knew "there had to be a better way" and found it in the philosophy and methods of the Montessori curriculum, created at the turn of the century by Dr. Maria Montessori.
Terri Goldberg, whose mother Marilyn was a close friend of the Wolfs, was in the first class of the school.
"Aline was a remarkable woman," Goldberg, who now lives in the Boston area, said. "She was an incredible, loving person and devoted to her family. She was motivated to get involved in Montessori because of her dedication to her family. She was an innovator, extremely bright and smart. She was a pioneer in her field."
Andrea Okonak, current head of school, said Wolf was passionate and knowledgeable and was very focused on peace education.
"I would say she was Penn-Mont Academy," Okonak said. "She brought an opportunity to Blair and surrounding counties to provide Montessori education to children in our area. She was an inspiration to many people to teach Montessori education here. She inspired teachers to come here to teach. She had an idea of what she wanted for children. She wanted children to be self learners and motivated and learn in a special environment. She wanted education to spike curiosity and inspire children to be good learners."
Michelle Hartye, retired head of school, said Wolf was very gracious and a lifelong learner.
"She was a mentor, a person with a profound interest in life, helping make the world be a better place," Hartye said. "She did it all through the love of Montessori education."
Mickey Port was a long-time friend and neighbor.
"Aline was a most outstanding educator in Montessori as well as a publisher," Port said. "She had workshops here and brought in teachers from all over the world. She was a lovely, generous, kind person as well."
Wolf was the author of
27 books, including the classic, A Parents' Guide to the Montessori Classroom.
Highly regarded as a modern interpreter of Maria Montessori's philosophy, her books also address parenting, teaching peace, spirituality and reading.
Wolf was also involved in numerous other organizations, including the Blair County Prison Society and Family Life, said longtime friend Lenora Irwin.
"Aline was the kind of person, if something needed done she would do something about it," Irwin said. "She was a woman of action. She was an amazing woman. She rejuvenated the Blair County Prison Society over 30 years ago. It is very active today. It is like the community's presence inside the prison."
Those who knew her said Wolf would be proud of what Penn-Mont Academy has become today, with about 230 students.
"What they started has become a wonderful school," Goldberg said. "I would think she would be thrilled."
"She would be pleased her vision of Montessori education is continuing to be provided in our community," Okonak said.
Wolf is survived by her husband, Gerald, and nine children.
A future memorial service is planned by the family and further information will be released when additional details become available.
Mirror Staff Writer Walt Frank is at 814-946-7467.