Just about everyone in Coudersport, Pa., knows Lewis (Louie) Schaub, 96 — and he knows them.
“That’s the thing about small towns,” says his daughter Nan Tanner. “Everybody knows everybody.”
For nearly four decades — as a teacher, principal, athletic director, and coach — Louie was a beloved mentor to students and a valued colleague to many his community. Because of his warmth and quick wit, for years former students invited him to be a featured guest at their high school reunions.
After retiring in 1986, Louie made it a point to stay active — playing golf, walking, and hunting. He also was part of a group that gathered every morning for coffee and conversation. Married to wife Louise for 72 years, the couple lived in the home where they raised their three children. After Louise died in March 2021, Louie still kept busy, puttering around the house on projects, visiting with family, and meeting up with his coffee klatch buddies.
But life changed dramatically in August 2021 when he fell at home and fractured his femur. No longer able to live alone, Louie moved to Cole Manor, a personal care home in Coudersport that’s part of UPMC Senior Communities. Ironically, the building was once the county hospital — where Louie, his wife, and their children were born.
Cole Manor is located in the center of town — the perfect spot for the man who knows everyone.
“When the weather was nice, I’d sit outside in my wheelchair and lots of people would stop to visit,” says Louie.
And lots of people helped make his 96th birthday on Aug. 29, 2022 very special. Thanks to a Facebook post by his son David, Louie received more than 300 birthday cards.
“The number of them was a surprise,” he ways. “There were cards from as far away as Florida, Washington, and Texas,” he says. “Some came from people I knew in the 50s, 60s, and 70s, and some had little messages.” The Cole Manor staff helped him celebrate with a cake and candles, and they all sang Happy Birthday.
Although he treasured the home he and Louise shared for many years, Louie is content with life at Cole Manor.
“It’s hard for me to get around,” he explains. “I do use a walker, but I still need help. They take good care of me here.” With just 20 residents, the facility is friendly, warm and comfortable.
Failing eyesight limits his ability to read history books like he once did. But Louie keeps his mind busy every day — whether he’s watching television or playing solitaire on his computer. He also uses his computer to keep up-to-date with the local news and sports.
“And the first thing I check is the obituaries,” he jokes. “Just to be sure I’m not there!”
