1945-2026
Michaelyn Paulette (Lieb) Neiger, 80, of Brockway, Pennsylvania, was called home to heaven on Sunday, April 5, 2026. Michaelyn was born on May 23, 1945, in Altoona, Pennsylvania, to Gervase and Ann (Pearson) Lieb.
A city girl from Altoona with a deep love of horses, Michaelyn spent the summers of her childhood working at local stables and dreaming of living on a farm.
In the summer of 1969 Michaelyn married her best friend and loving husband, Raymond Wyss Neiger. Together, they shared 50 years of marriage devoted to family, community, and faith. After Ray and Michaelyn returned to the family farm in Brockway, they built a life anchored in the Brockway community and in their deep commitment to helping others. Fulfilling her childhood dream of living in the country, Michaelyn was a prolific gardener, growing and canning hundreds of cans of green beans, tomatoes and pickles each year. She loved spring flowers after long winters and watching sunsets from her farm kitchen window.
Michaelyn graduated from Altoona Area High School and earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Education from Lock Haven State College. As an undergrad she made history as the first female letter carrier for the Altoona Post Office. Michaelyn began her teaching career in the third grade at Garfield Elementary School in Altoona. She later earned her Master of Education degree in Counseling from Shippensburg State College.
Michaelyn’s greatest professional pride came from being the first elementary school guidance counselor in the Brockway Area School District. For many years, she dedicated herself to the emotional, social, and academic well-being of Brockway Elementary School students. Generations of Brockway Elementary graduates fondly remember her and her steadfast companion, Duso the Dolphin, a beloved puppet that helped her reach young hearts.
In recognition of her outstanding leadership in the field of school counseling, Michaelyn served as State Secretary for the Pennsylvania School Counselors Association.
Michaelyn was an active and devoted member of Lanes Mills United Methodist Church. She taught Sunday School, led Vacation Bible School programs, sang in the choir, and served as a lay speaker, volunteering faithfully to do good in the world. After her retirement, she became a Chaplain at Penn Highlands Hospital. Her faith was the foundation of her life, evident in her generosity, kindness, and unwavering commitment to serving others
Michaelyn was an accomplished musician, playing violin in the Altoona Civic Symphony Orchestra in high school, performing folk guitar concerts in her college years and playing violin during her later years in the Clarion University Community Orchestra. She enjoyed learning and teaching violin throughout her life. In her retirement years, she and her husband, Ray, enjoyed singing and performing with the Brockway Village Voices.
Michaelyn leaves behind her daughter, Tara (Neiger) Glosser and her husband Steve Glosser; her sons, Mark Neiger and his wife Jessica (Andreozzi) Neiger, David Neiger Hutchings and his wife Laura Hutchings, and James Neiger and his wife Ashley (Simpson) Neiger; her grandchildren Roman, Cove, August, and Wilder; her brother Shannon Lieb and his wife Sue; and many close friends at Lanes Mills Church and in the Brockway community.
She was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 50 years, Raymond Wyss Neiger; her brother Michael Lieb; and her sister, Annabelle Constance Shura (2024).
Visitation will be on Thursday, April 9, 2026 from 5-8 p.m. at the Shugarts Funeral Home Inc. in Brockway, PA. A Funeral Service will be held on Friday, April 10, at 11:00 AM at the Lanes Mills Global Methodist Church with Pastor Andrew Verner officiating. Burial will be in the Beechwoods Cemetery. Memorial donations may be made to the charity of the donors choice.
