Paula Latta Coyne (1949-2012) was a dynamo of energy, enthusiasm, and dedication who inspired us all. A fierce defender of Chester County's environmental quality and heritage, Paula brought a special energy to S.A.V.E.  In her 10 year tenure as a member of S.A.V.E.'s Board of Directors, Paula always challenged us to look ahead, to see the big picture--and to act on it. S.A.V.E. today is far more than it would have been without Paula.

Paula drew strength from her love of the rolling hills, farms, horses,gardens and people of Chester County, which has been home to her family since the 1700's. She saw that the historic land she loved could only be saved with hard work and determination. And Paula gave every bit of the energy, determination and spirit that defined her and endeared her to us. She was kind and caring, but also tough, letting political representatives know just where she stood and what causes they should support. 

Paula's legacy to S.A.V.E. is considerable. She was a key to S.A.V.E.'s success in averting the four-lane expressway and bypasses that PennDOT had planned for Route 41, and she continued to offer invaluable guidance in S.A.V.E's efforts to implement its plan for a two-lane, traffic calmed alternative.  

Early on, Paula recognized that PennDOT's expansionist tendencies targeted not only highways, but also historic bridges, and she spearheaded S.A.V.E.'s work in preserving them. She delighted in her success saving and rehabilitating the historic Mortonville Bridge. Her tireless efforts to preserve Mortonville Bridge were documented in an article in Main Line Today in 2006 entitled, Save Our Bridge! (To view article, click  on SAVE OUR BRIDGE box.)   

Paula also saw the parallels between highways and pipelines, and understood that rampant pipeline expansion threatened our safety and conserved lands. She played a central role in S.A.V.E.'s efforts to educate both the public and policy makers on these issues.

S.A.V.E.'s Board of Directors extends its deepest gratitude to Paula, and heartfelt condolences to her family.

Paula Latta Coyne's memorial service will be held at 3 p.m. Saturday, June 9, at the Doe Run Presbyterian Church, East Fallowfield, Chester County, Pennsylvania.