Marian Lee Wilson

Marian Lee Wilson, a beloved mother, grandmother, sister, and friend, passed away at her home in Arizona, on September 17, 2025, surrounded by her loving family. Born in Mount Union, Pennsylvania, on April 30, 1946, daughter of George Marion Wilson and Naomi Elizabeth Martin. She was preceded in death by her parents and her siblings Brenda Martin, Josamarie Colston, George Wilson, James Martin, Jonathan Martin, and Anthony Martin. Marian believed in education and service. She earned her master’s degree in human services from Lincoln University and spent over 30 years serving the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, retiring as Regional Manager at the Department of Environmental Resources. After retirement, she moved to Phoenix, Arizona, to be closer to her daughters. She never stopped moving forward, she worked for the Arizona House of Representatives, and became a licensed real estate agent and substitute teacher. She was a people person. In Arizona, Marian started a social group called the Soulful Circle, bringing people together for dinners, dancing, events, and good conversation. Through that group, she helped strangers become friends and friends become family. A woman of creativity and adventure she loved writing, music, dancing, reading, and travel, from Caribbean cruises to jazz festivals across the country. Most of all, she loved her family, especially her grandsons Kai Jacob Wilson and Ian Christian Townsend, who were her greatest joy. She leaves to cherish her memory her daughters, Lisa Renee Townsend (Peter) and Gina Gail Peterson (Chris); her grandsons, Kai and Ian; her sisters Elsie Davis (Melvin), Bernice Martin, Maggie Martin, Deanna Martin (David), Joyce Posey (Rane), and Tina Williams; her brothers Otis Martin Jr (Nadine) and Robert Martin; and a host of nieces, nephews, family, and friends. Marian lived a life full of love, resilience, hard work and joy. She will be remembered for her warm spirit, her laughter, and the way she brought people together. Having recently published Mare’s Book of Poems her legacy lives on in her poetry, in the adventures she embraced, in the friendships she cultivated, and in the deep love she gave so freely. A Celebration of Marian’s Life will be held at the Heath-Anderson Funeral Home on October 4, 2025, from 11:00 – 1:00, inurnment to follow at Mount Union Borough Cemetery. Arrangements have been entrusted to Heath-Anderson Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 61 E. Shirley Street, Mount Union, “Honored Provider of Veterans Funeral Care TM.” Condolences may be made at AndersonFamilyFuneralHomes.com.