LANCASTER, PA - Laura Phillipine "Phil" (Battenberg) Moore, 89, died May 16, 2025 at her daughter Josie's home in Lancaster, PA where she had resided under her care for the last five and a half years. She leaves a legacy of faith in her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, integrity, love, service to others, and compassion.

She was a resident of Lewisburg, PA from 1961 to 2019 where she lived with her beloved husband of nearly 58 years, John William "Bill" Moore. She was born on April 14, 1936 in Anne Arundel County, MD to Norman Gustav "George" and Amy Battenberg. Orphaned at a young age, she was raised by her loving aunt and uncle, Jean (Battenberg) and Arthur Rhoads in Forty Fort, PA.

She was a faithful member of Forty Fort United Methodist Church and graduated from Forty Fort High School in 1954 where she participated in band and theater. She obtained additional degrees from Geisinger Memorial Hospital School of Nursing in 1957, Columbia University (BSN) 1962 and Bucknell University (MSEd) 1982. She loved working as a nurse at Geisinger and Mt. Sinai (NYC) hospitals and forever remained a nurse at heart. Later she joined her husband as his commercial real estate business partner for Moore Enterprises Inc.

Phil was a faithful member of the First Presbyterian church of Lewisburg where she served as Sunday school teacher, deacon, and chair of the missions committee; hosted the Prayer Share and Prepare couples Bible study; participated in ladies' Bible studies and ministry outreach to Bucknellians. She and her husband Bill devoted countless hours ministering to students. She regularly hosted gatherings for the Bucknell Department of Education faculty and was a member of the Bucknell University Book Club for over five decades through which she established bonds of friendship and shared her love of books.

Phil is fondly remembered by family and friends for her beautiful smile, warm hugs, and devotion as a wife, mother and friend. She was robed with dignity, sophistication and graciousness. She was a pillar of strength, steadiness, and abundant love which made others feel safe in her presence. She will be cherished for her wisdom, insightfulness, and commitment to doing everything with excellence. She is also remembered for a few of her favorite things: children, time with family, dogs, music, reading, gardening, cooking, hosting, ice cream, cross-stitching, knitting, picnics, Cape May, and swinging on her porch swing. She blessed many through the strength of her faith and convictions, prayers, encouraging words, and an outpouring of love and compassion.

Surviving are her children William A. Moore, Laura Josie Moore, Virginia (Moore) Sillhart; grandchildren Laura S. Moore, Holly (Moore) Passarelli, Molly Sillhart, John Sillhart ; sister-in-law Virginia (Moore) Means and numerous nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her husband John William Moore, parents Norman G "George" & Amy Battenberg, guardians Jean and Arthur Rhoads, brother Norman G. Battenberg Jr, cousin "siblings" Arthur G. Rhoads Jr., Marion (Rhoads) Williams, and Betty (Rhoads) Van Devender.

A celebration of life service will be held on Thursday, May 22 at 11:30 in the chapel on the first floor of the First Presbyterian Church 18 Market St. Lewisburg PA followed by a luncheon.

Donations in her honor may be made to:


Expectations Women's Center

776 Bull Run Crossing

Lewisburg, PA. 17837

Online: expectationswc.org

Young Life

By check: Young Life Susquehanna Valley PO Box 521 Lewisburg, PA 17837

*Include "Susquehanna Valley" in check memo

Online: giving.younglife.org

Arrangements by John H. Shaw III Funeral Home