Marilyn Devlin Olenick, 68, of Shavertown, passed away Thursday, Nov. 11, 2021.
Born in Kingston, she was the daughter of the late Mary Theresa Whalen and Paul H. Lauer Jr.
She was a Magna Cum Laude graduate of College Misericordia, employed as a former writing instructor at Luzerne County Community College and a writing instructor and tutor at Penn State University, Wilkes-Barre campus.
Marilyn was a founding member of the Cultural Heritage Council of NEPA, served as board secretary for ten years, chairperson of the "Family Day" program at the Luzerne County Courthouse for 15 years.
Her favorite pastime was visiting with family and friends, flower gardening, dog sitting, reading, writing, poetry and advocating for the underprivileged. Her proudest achievements were her two children.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her son, John Patrick Devlin (2013); husband, George C. Olenick (2006); sister, Carolyn Chamberlain (2003); brother, Raymond Lauer (2020); and nephew, Ken Chamberlain (2020).
She is survived by her daughter, Jacqueline Devlin Perry, Dallas; best friend, John Welebob, Harveys Lake; former husband, John C. Devlin, Benton; daughter's significant other, Larry Michael Akers, Dallas; grandsons, Adam and Sean Perry, Dallas; brother, Robert Lauer; and sister-in-law, Bonnie Lauer, Shavertown; brother, Paul Lauer, Tunkhannock; and many nieces, nephews, cousins, colleagues and friends.
Friends may call from 5 to 7 p.m. Thursday at Harold C. Snowdon Funeral Home Inc., 140 N. Main St., Shavertown. Graveside services will be held at 11:30 a.m. Friday in St. Nicholas Cemetery, Shavertown.
Donations may be made to the Paul H. Lauer Memorial Scholarship Fund, LCCC or to the Disabled American Veterans (DAV).
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Sponsored by Snowdon Funeral Homes - Shavertown.
Mark A Evans Sr.
November 18, 2021
Long time friend, will never be forgotten
Kimberly Derhammer
November 18, 2021
Marilyn was a quiet woman who made a big impact on people she touched. Her caring nature came out in her interaction with whoever she crossed paths with. My thoughts and prayers are with those closest to her , I feel a light went out in the world with the loss of her .
Kris Martinak
November 17, 2021
There is never anything anyone can say that will change the emptiness ones feels when losing a loved one. The only thing we can do is try to remember the moments we had on this earth together. My sincere sympathy goes out to your family during this difficult time in your life.
David & Carol Scheff
November 16, 2021
We worked with Marilyn at Penn State. We remember Marilyn as a quiet, graceful woman, who loved people, and especially Penn State students. She always seemed to be wearing a smile, which, in turn, made you smile, thus brightening your day. Our sincere condolences to all of Marilyn's family. She will be terribly missed. David and Carol Scheff, Sweet Valley.
Elaine Kuehn
November 16, 2021
So sorry to Hera of Marilyn´s passing, she was a classmate of mine, and a good friend on Facebook. We met for lunch when I would get back to Dallas. I was shocked to find this out this morning. My condolences to the family.
John Reilly
November 16, 2021
I'm sorry to hear of the passing of Marilyn. She was such an awesome and amazing person.
Allan Scoble
November 15, 2021
I was so sorry to hear of Marilyn´s passing. She was a good friend and co- worker of mine at Penn State Wilkes-Barre for years.
Showing 1 - 7 of 7 results
Please consider a donation as requested by the family.
Nov
18
5:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.
Snowdon Funeral Homes - Shavertown140 N Main St, Shavertown, PA 18708
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read moreWhat kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read moreWe'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreInformation and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you.
Read moreIf you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read moreLegacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read moreYou may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read moreThese free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read moreSome basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more