Marilyn McGuckin

Marilyn McDowell McGuckin, age 83, passed away on December 23, 2018 in Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida.

Born on December 29, 1934 to Richard and Ruth McDowell, Marilyn spent her childhood in Franklin, Pa. and lived in Youngstown, Ohio and Uniontown, Ohio. Marilyn graduated from Franklin High School in 1952 as secretary of her class. In 1952, she married her high school sweetheart, William P. “Bill” McGuckin., with whom she had three daughters.

Marilyn was a devoted mother and wife who spent her early adult years involved in community activities and with her church, St. John’s Episcopal Church, in Youngstown, Ohio. Marilyn began her professional career in 1971 as the volunteer coordinator of the American Red Cross in Youngstown, Ohio. Marilyn and Bill moved to Uniontown, Ohio in 1977 and she began a career in volunteer services at Akron Children’s Hospital. She was most proud of her leadership in the Akron Children’s Holiday Tree Festival as well as her role in implementing the Doggie Brigade pet volunteer program in 1992. Marilyn was founding member of New Life Episcopal Church (formerly St. Michael’s Episcopal Church) in Uniontown, Ohio, where she was an active member of the alter guild and sang in the church choir.

Preceded in death by husband, William P. “Bill” McGuckin; daughter, Jan; father, Richard Alexander McDowell; mother, Ruth McAlevy McDowell; brothers, Richard McDowell and Edward McDowell; and son-in-law, Mark Weden. She will be lovingly remembered by daughters, Jane Weden and Jodi (Rick) Tully; granddaughter, Caitlin (Chris Kopech); sister, Peggy (Pete) Dabrowski; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Memorial services will be held in spring of 2019 in Uniontown, Ohio and Franklin, Pennsylvania. In lieu of flowers, friends and family may make a contribution to Akron Children’s Hospital, 214 W. Bowery Street, Akron, OH 44308 or New Life Episcopal Church, 13118 Church Avenue NW, Uniontown, OH 44685.