Dr. Darla Kaye Wilshire, 73, Altoona, passed away Thursday, suffering from a stroke. She was born in Altoona, daughter of the late James and Helen (Cherry) Houseman.

She is survived by a son, Patrick (Jeannie) Wilshire; a brother, James (Sandi) Houseman; nieces: Cathy (Ben) Manning and Michelle (Bob) Mowchan; great-nieces: Fiona and Caitlin Manning; a cousin, Carol Cherry; her ex-husband and dear friend, Daniel (Deb) Wilshire; and her four-footed companions: Hudson and Hicks.

Darla received a BA from Juniata College and her PhD from Penn State University.

Darla was a fixture in the Altoona education community for over 40 years. She taught English and Drama at Keith Junior High School, Logan Junior High, Roosevelt Junior High, and Altoona Area High School before retiring from the school district and teaching English at Penn State Altoona. She was especially proud to see her drama students go on to careers on Broadway and in TV and film.

She was an accomplished writer, penning over a dozen novels, and enjoyed interacting with her readers from all over the world.

Her whole life was dedicated to inspiring everyone around her to be their best possible selves and to achieve their most aspirational dreams. The degree to which she succeeded is a testament to both her character and her deeply-held belief in the potential in each and every person she met.

At the request of the deceased, no funeral service will be held. A memorial service will take place in 2021. Arrangements are by Santella Funeral Home.

Darla's other great passion in life were her Yorkshire terriers and so the family asks in lieu of flowers, to please make donations in memory of Darla to Mending Hearts Animal Rescue, PO Box 97, Hollidaysburg, PA 11648.

Online condolences can be made at www.santellafuneralhome.com.