Marilyn Lucy (Cole) Shaver

Marilyn Lucy (Cole) Shaver

Educated, Generous, and Thoughtful –

Marilyn Lucy (Cole) Shaver, age 78, of Mechanicsburg, PA, and formerly of Enola, PA, and Huntington, WV, passed away peacefully at Holy Spirit Hospital on Saturday, July 16, 2016. Marilyn was born on Tuesday, October 5, 1937 in Gowanda, NY to the late Dr. Allen Ward Cole and Lucy (Searle) Cole. Marilyn was the widow of Dr. Harold “Hal” C. Shaver, whom she married on March 26, 1966, and who died on March 1, 2004. In addition to her parents and husband, Marilyn is preceded in death by her brother, Allen Cole, and her sister, Margaret Frost.

Marilyn’s survivors include her two loving daughters: Melanie Shaver-Durham and her husband, Mitch, of Mechanicsburg, Wendy Shaver of Enola; her three grandchildren: Joey Hummer, Lucy Hummer, Maggie Shaver-Wilson; her two sisters: Mary Lou Attarian of North Carolina, Pat Watson of New York; her brother, Bob Cole, of New York; and several nieces and nephews.

After graduating from Gowanda Central School, Marilyn attended Ohio Wesleyan University and then graduated from Penn State University with a bachelor’s degree before graduating from Purdue University with a master’s degree. Marilyn became a university professor who taught at many colleges and universities including Kansas State University and State University of New York at Oswego where she met her husband. She retired at the age of 70 from the University of Kentucky’s Ashland Community College as a professor of numerous subjects including anatomy and physiology. She was a proud member of both Alpha Chi Omega Sorority and the Human Anatomy and Physiology Society (H.A.P.S.).

Marilyn was a devoted volunteer; at Hospice, with Meal on Wheels, with Tri-State Literacy Council, and as an active member and past president of the Audubon Society. Her generous spirit made Marilyn renowned as an expert gift giver. She gave presents to virtually everyone, including the bears that lived in her daughter, Wendy’s, bear doll house. Not surprisingly, Christmas was Marilyn’s favorite holiday which she always made extraordinary. She meticulously crafted a secret theme for each of her girl’s birthdays and ensured that they found a note from her in their school lunch every day. Her perfectly baked homemade cookies were unbelievably good. Marilyn will be deeply missed but her beautiful and spunky spirit will live on.

All are welcome to join Marilyn’s family at her gathering of family and friends on Friday, July 22, 2016, from 6:30 p.m. until time of sunset service of remembrance at 8:00 p.m. at The Trails & Trees Environmental Center, 1731 South York Street, Mechanicsburg, PA 17055, with parking at Mechanicsburg Middle School, 1750 South Market Street, Mechanicsburg, 17055; with The Reverend Dr. Jan Nolting Carter officiating. To honor Marilyn’s love of nature, her gathering and service will be held outdoors. Friends are invited to bring a favorite dessert to the gathering (Marilyn always saved room for dessert). Summer casual attire is appropriate.

The family sends their most heartfelt thanks to everyone at VibraLife and Holy Spirit Hospital who so lovingly cared for Marilyn. To honor Marilyn’s giving spirit, contributions may be made to MASD (Trails & Trees), 1731 South York Street, Mechanicsburg, PA 17055; or to any charity of your choosing.

Marilyn’s family has entrusted her care to Myers – Buhrig Funeral Home and Crematory in Mechanicsburg, (717) 766-3421. Read Marilyn’s full obituary, view her memorial video and picture, and sign her official guest book at www.Buhrig.com .