Gene Marcella Wise

Gene Marcella Wise “Coach Wise”, 96, of Boyertown, passed away on Monday, March 14, 2022, at Pottstown Hospital. Born in Birdsboro, she was the daughter of the late Howard Rhoads Wise, VMD, and Mabel (Painter) Lammey Wise. Marcella grew up in the Elverson and Morgantown area, graduating from Carnarvon High School.

Coach Wise to many, was an intelligent, fiercely independent and courageous fighter for women’s equality in high school sports. She was a graduate of West Chester University, and achieved her Master’s in Education from Temple University. Gene was proud to be a “Health and Physical Education” Teacher in the Boyertown School District for over 30 years, before retiring as the Athletic Director. Miss Wise Coached women’s basketball, softball, and field hockey teams to achieve many county, district, and state titles. She was inducted into the Berks County Chapter, Pennsylvania Sports Hall of Fame in 2001, one of the few female coaches to achieve that level of recognition. Miss Wise was very humble about her achievements, it was always about her players, and students.

Gene is survived by her nieces and nephews and countless women and men who benefited from her wisdom and support during her career at Boyertown High School.

In addition to her parents, Gene is predeceased by her siblings, Edith (Lammey) Schwenk, George Merrill Wise, Geraldine Lucille (Wise) Nornhold Bird, and John Carrol Wise.

At the request of Gene, funeral services will be held privately. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Animal Rescue League, Birdsboro, and the Boyertown School District Athletic Department. Online condolences may be made at  www.whelanschwartz.com