Marilyn Carlisle

Marilyn Jeanne Carlisle, 79, died Friday, June 12, 2009 peacefully at her home surrounded by her family. She was born in Mansfield to the late Earl E. Massa and Helen Massa. Marilyn grew up in Mansfield where she graduated with honors from Mansfield Senior High School in 1948. She worked at Westinghouse, and then took time to raise three daughters and returned to a career at Nationwide Insurance retiring after many years of service. Marilyn's cheerleading days at Mansfield Senior High rolled over into her adult life. She was always the mother who would volunteer for any of her daughter's events. She was a Girl Scout leader and a front row cheerleader for her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren at any and all events. Marilyn enjoyed cooking, gardening, and swimming in the pool. She was a member of the First Congregational Church. Marilyn was a beautiful person and had a positive attitude about her that never changed, even through her illness. She was always looking forward to the next day to spend time with her family and friends.

She is survived by two daughters, Sharon Bob Richwine of Columbus, and Laurie Len Keller of Connoquenessing, Pennsylvania; son-in-law, Marty Joyce; grandchildren, Eric Adair Pittman of Mansfield, Brooke Don Bandy of Homeworth; and Andy Kim Pittman of Mansfield; great -grandchildren, Dominic Pittman and Addisyn Pittman; a loving sister, Shirley Tom Garrison; sisters-in-law, Doris and Marge Massa; numerous nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband, Gene Carlisle, the love of her life for 57 years; daughter, Jill C. Joyce; two brothers, Richard and Earl Massa; her faithful canine companion, Margot; and her parents. Special thanks to MedCentral Hospice and Ohio Cancer Specialists doctors and staff for their wonderful care.

Friends may call from 2 to 4 p.m. and 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesday, June 16, 2009 at the Ontario Home of Wappner Funeral Directors, 100 Lexington-Springmill Rd., Mansfield. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday at the funeral home conducted by Rev. David Root and Rev. Dr. Tony Minear. A private burial will be held at a later date. Marilyn loved family and friends, and always treasured them. In lieu of flowers, her family is requesting donations to Canine Companions for Independence, North Central Regional Center, 4989 State Route 37 East, Delaware, Ohio 43015 or Breast Cancer 3-Day in care of the funeral home.