Marilyn Diane (Berger) Smith, age 91, of Mechanicsburg, and formerly of Sunbury, passed away on Friday, June 26, 2026. Marilyn was born on Saturday, October 20, 1934, in Sunbury to the late Donald I. Berger and Helen E. (Batey) Berger. Marilyn was the widow of Willard M. Smith II, whom she married on March 5, 1954, and who died on March 7, 2012. In addition to her parents and husband, Marilyn is preceded in death by her brother, Jack Berger and her nephew, Geoffrey Rachau.

Marilyn’s survivors include her three children: Lesa Smith and significant other, Jeffrey Shoemaker, of Mechanicsburg; Willard M. Smith III and wife, Lori, of Shamokin Dam; and Priscilla Markwood and husband, Tim, of Ocean View, DE; her four beloved grandchildren: Jennifer Marczyk, Madeleine Markwood, Adam Strouse, and Aaron Smith; her three great-grandchildren: Jeffrey Marczyk, Jocelyn Marczyk and Cole Strouse; her sister: Susan Rachau and husband, George, of Sunbury; and several nieces and nephews.

Marilyn graduated from Sunbury High School as part of the class of 1953.  She retired from Selinsgrove Center in Selinsgrove, after many years of service working as a nurse's aide.  Marilyn was a very active member of Susquehanna Valley Church of Christ in Selinsgrove; and she was a member of the Sunbury Chapter #266 Order of the Eastern Star. 

Throughout her years, Marilyn embraced her many interests with dedication and joy. She found great pleasure in crafting ceramics and had a discerning talent for arranging flowers, both of which brought beauty and cheer to those around her. An enthusiastic shopper, Marilyn especially enjoyed browsing and finding treasures on QVC, always on the lookout for something that would bring joy to her or her loved ones.

Marilyn’s personality was distinguished by her unwavering positive attitude and the ever-present smile that complemented her gentle nature. She deeply loved animals, with a particular fondness for cats and dogs, cherishing the companionship and comfort they brought into her life. Among the simple joys she delighted in, perhaps none were so sweet as her love for all flavors of ice cream, a small but constant pleasure that she never outgrew.

Marilyn’s family will be remembering her life at a later date. Interment in Orchard Hills Cemetery in Shamokin Dam will be at the family’s convenience. Cremation was private.

The family sends their most heartfelt thanks to everyone at Legends at Silver Creek and at Residential Hospice; who so lovingly cared for Marilyn. They were all instrumental in providing quality of life in her last days.

Contributions in celebration of Marilyn’s life can be made to Residential Hospice,100 Sterling Parkway, Suite 110, Mechanicsburg, PA 17050.

Marilyn’s family has entrusted her care to Buhrig Funeral & Cremation in Mechanicsburg, (717) 766-3421. Read Marilyn’s full obituary, view her memorial video and photograph, offer condolences and sympathy, share stories and memories, upload photographs and videos, light a candle, and sign her official guest book by visiting Buhrig.com.