Marian Harris Weinschenk, 92, died peacefully in her sleep early Tuesday morning at Carbondale Rehabilitation and Healthcare Center. She was the wife of the late Otto L. Weinschenk Jr.
Born in Scranton, daughter of the late Wesley C. and Kathleen Regan Harris, she was a childhood resident of the city's Keyser Valley section. A 1952 graduate of West Scranton High School, Marian began her professional life in the 1950s with the Bell Telephone Directory Office. She served as a public educator during a transformative era in telecommunications, traveling to Rotary clubs and cities throughout Pennsylvania to introduce the public to the novel concepts of area codes, direct long-distance dialing, and proper directory use.
On July 8, 1961, she married Otto "Sparky" Weinschenk. The couple shared a vibrant social life, whether they were hosting close friends for intimate dinner parties or attending elegant dinner-dances at The Jermyn or Elks Club. In 1971, they purchased a summer home at Chapman Lake, a retreat that became the heart of the family. A member of the Van Sickle Plot Association, Marian eventually made the lake her year-round residence in 2007.
Marian remained deeply invested in her community throughout her life. She volunteered at the Keyser Valley Community House, chaired notable events like the Silver Bell Ball, and served with the Mercy Hospital Auxiliary. She also held numerous presidential and executive roles across the Parent-Teacher-Student Associations of several Scranton-area schools and athletic clubs. She beautifully expressed her devotion to her faith and community through her musical gifts, serving for years as an organist and choir director for St. David's Roman Catholic Church and other local parishes.
Marian found joy in both grand traditions and simple pleasures. Deeply connected to her roots, she was a founding member of the Regan Reunion and took immense pride in her Irish heritage. She cherished summertimes at the lake with family and friends, lively vacations to Atlantic City, visits with relatives in Buffalo, and a leisurely trip to the Hallmark store. Music remained a constant companion throughout her life, and she always found great joy in singing and playing the piano and organ. Her days often started with a quiet morning reading the newspaper over a strong cup of coffee and ended with a good game of poker and a Coors Light—always served over ice.
Surviving are a daughter, Nancy, and husband Frank Colizzo, West Newbury, Mass.; two sons, Tom, Eldersburg, Md., and Scott and wife Amy, Scott Twp., Pa.; four grandchildren, Rebecca Bamundo and husband Mark, Matthew Colizzo and wife Hannah, Holly Weinschenk, and Alex Colizzo; two great-grandchildren, Reese and Seamus Bamundo; and several nieces, nephews, and friends.
She was also preceded in death by a sister, Ann Brzostek, and a daughter-in-law, Teresa Weinschenk.
Funeral services will be held Monday, July 6, with a Mass of Christian Burial at 10 a.m. in Corpus Christi Church. Private interment will follow in St. Mary's Cemetery, South Scranton. Family and friends may pay their respects at the church Monday morning from 9 a.m. until Mass.
Arrangements by Neil W. Regan Funeral Home, 1900 Pittston Ave., Scranton.
Memorial contributions may be made in her honor to Blue Chip Farm Animal Refuge located in Dallas, PA, bcfanimalrefuge.org.
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