Mrs. Marilyn K. McCarney, 96, a resident of Hearthstone since December 2023, passed away Tuesday, January 21, 2025.
She was born December 31, 1928, in Buffalo, NY, the only child of the late Luther K. and Edith R. (Stall) King. She spent the early years of her life in Ridgewood, Niagara County, NY. Marilyn moved to Waynesboro, PA at the age of 8. During her youth, she was active at the YMCA and had the distinction of being the first female to perform on the Flying Rings.
Marilyn graduated with the Waynesboro High School Class of 1946. Continuing her education, she graduated from Shippensburg University with Bachelors and Masters degrees in Education. Marilyn loved the shore environment and spent several summers during high school and college working in Avon by the Sea, NJ and Boothbay Harbor, ME.
In 1949, Marilyn married J. Allen McCarney and enjoyed 37 years of marriage until his death in 1986.
Marilyn taught History, Health and Physical Education at Quincy High School for four years, 3rd grade at Wayne Heights Elementary School for three years and 3rd grade at Cascade Elementary School for 27 years. In between school years, she enjoyed serving as Crafts Coordinator for the Waynesboro Summer Recreation Program.
During her retirement years, Marilyn was an enthusiastic traveler, both in this country and abroad. Some of her favorite destinations included Hawaii, Europe and Russia. When home, like her parents, she was an avid gardener who took particular pride in her 100 foot long flower covered rock garden.
Always one to stay busy, Marilyn co-authored with close friend Betsy Payette a comprehensive overview of Renfrew entitled “RENFREW: A HISTORY.” Additionally, she and Janet Smedley were instrumental in the formation of the AARP Kitchen Band, which entertained residents of local nursing homes for several years. She was also a member of the Friends of the Library, Waynesboro College Club, Pennsylvania Association of State Retirees and the Evangelical Lutheran Church. Marilyn was a volunteer at the Waynesboro Historical Society and served on the board of directors at Hearthstone Retirement Home.
Throughout her lifetime, Marilyn was a consummate cat lover and her home was filled with adoring felines. A caring teacher, Marilyn kept in regular contact with many of her former students and looked forward to hearing about their lives. Even though she had a wide range of interests, the role she cherished most was being a devoted, loving mother.
Marilyn is survived by her son, David A. McCarney, her daughter, Sherry M. Newcomer, two granddaughters, Allison Kopco (Christopher) and Ashley Newcomer, a great grandson, Jace Kopco and a great granddaughter, Noelle Корсо.
In addition to her husband, she was preceded in death by her son-in-law, Ronald E. Newcomer.
Her family wishes to express a heartfelt thank you to her loving caregiver, Amber Naugle, and the wonderful staff at Hearthstone Retirement Home.
Services will be held at 11:00 A.M., Wednesday, January 29, 2025 in Grove-Bowersox Funeral Home, 50 S. Broad St., Waynesboro with Pastor Dennis Beaver officiating. Burial will follow in Green Hill Cemetery, Waynesboro.
The family will receive friends one hour prior to the services, Wednesday morning, in the funeral home.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Antietam Humane Society, 8513 Lyons Road, Waynesboro, PA 17268; the Evangelical Lutheran Church, 43 S. Church St., Waynesboro, PA 17268; or the Hearthstone Retirement Home, 102 South Potomac St., Waynesboro, PA 17268.
