Patricia Merbreier, Philadelphia TV’s ”Mrs. Noah,” Dead At 86

June 24, 2011 3:27 PM

(Photos courtesy Broadcast Pioneers of Philadelphia)

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PHILADELPHIA (CBS) - One half of a couple that hosted a Philadelphia children’s television show for decades has died.

The Broadcast Pioneers of Philadelphia organization says that Patricia Merbreier, best known to viewers as “Mrs. Noah,” who with her husband Carter teamed up on “Captain Noah and his Magical Ark,” has died at age 86.

A family member told the organization that she had been ill for some time and passed away late Thursday evening.

The program, which aired on Channel 6 in Philadelphia starting in 1967, featured a number of puppet characters, and each show ended with the couple singing “I Can See A Rainbow.”

Luminaries from fields as varied as politics and entertainment to sports often appeared on the show. At its height, the daily program was syndicated in 22 cities, but by the end of its Philadelphia run in 1994 it aired only on Saturday mornings.

Carter Merbreier still lives in Montgomery County, Pa. Funeral arrangements for Patricia Merbreier were incomplete.

Reported by David Madden, KYW Newsradio 1060

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Patricia Merbreier, Philadelphia TVs Mrs. Noah, Dead At 86

Gwen

How sad to hear this, Oh how as a child my brother and I would sit in front of our used color tv with match book in the dial to hold the station, watching Captain Noah and the Magical Ark, along with Gene London, Soupy Sales, Astro Boy, Sally Starr Popeye Theater. Thank you Capt and Mrs Noah for the happy memories, may Mrs Noah RIP.
pearl polto

being a braodcast member, and watching you since my childhood, you will be missed more than you know.
pearl polto
terry

Mrs Noah thanks for making my childhood a special time. Captain Noah may God bless you and your family and carry you through the difficult time.
Tom

She was Red and Yellow and Blue and Green, Purple and Orange and,,,,,,,
Nostromo

I watched Captain and Mrs. Noah with my younger brother in the same era in which Sesame Street began. Later, but not that great a span, it was with my daughter that I’d watch. Cap’s show was unique in showing Philly at its best and in that way it championed human potential. Mrs. Merbreier was the perfect complement to Captain Noah and as a mother to countless children. The passing of Patricia Merbreier leaves us all the poorer as her like shall not be seen again. So long, Mrs. Noah, we hardly knew ye.
Christopher Farina

I am deeply sadened to hear about the passing of our beloved Mrs. Noah.As a child thiis was my favorite show and I would hardly miss it I even have send your pictures as a ringtone on my cellphone. I will pray for the Captian and hope he is doing ok.Rest in Peace.
Bill

May you rest in peace “Mrs. Noah.” All of my childhood days started off with you and your wonderful husband. Thank you for giving so much to so many.
Cathy Bates

The song was “I can sing a rainbow”. I and my adult children can still remember all of the words.