Lourene W. George Barto – Nurse, State Senator

Born on July 1, 1913 in Harrisburg, PA, Lourene W. George Barto was the daughter of Lloyd and Romaine Senseman Walker.

Graduating from of New Cumberland High School, Barto attended the Germantown Hospital School of Nursing and the Germantown Hospital of Anesthesiology, both of Philadelphia. Following graduation, she worked at the Carlisle Hospital as a nurse anesthetist for 12 years, during which she served a term as president of the Pennsylvania State Association of Nurse Anesthetists.

Barto entered politics and became the state representative for the 88th District, Cumberland County, from 1962 to 1970, becoming the first woman from Cumberland County to be elected to a state office. She was later employed by the PA Department of Welfare and was an active member in the community, working with organizations such as the Cumberland County and Tri-County Association for Retarded Children, American Legion Auxiliary, League of Women Voters and the Business & Professional Women's Association.

Barto passed away in 2004 at the age of 91.

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