Born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, she graduated from Pittsburgh University, earned a master's from George Washington University and a doctorate from American University. She served at CGHQ during World War II, and after the war, with a voluntary Reserve unit.

As a civilian, she worked for the Veterans Administration. Survivors include her husband, Robert, a retired Coast Guard Lieutenant; a sister, Virginia Metzger; a brother, Earl Lintelman. Graveside services were held August 31, 1998 at Arlington National Cemetery, Arlington, Virginia with full military honors.