Marilyn P. Walter

Marilyn Walter, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother passed away peacefully on August 27, 2025, at the age of 90. Born on August 15, 1935, at Alliance City Hospital in Alliance, Ohio, she was delivered by her grandfather, Dr. Benjamin Clyde Barnard, a well-respected local physician. She was the only child of George Andrew Potts and Martha Hannah Barnard Potts.

Martha Marilyn Potts Walter graduated from the University of Mount Union in 1957 and remained a proud alumna and supporter throughout her life. She met the love of her life, John ("Jack") Gale Walter, over Thanksgiving in 1957. He proposed just one week later, and they were married on June 14, 1958, at Boardman Methodist Church in Ohio. Their marriage lasted 60 wonderful years, filled with shared purpose, cross-country moves, and deep family bonds.

Shortly after their marriage, Marilyn began teaching first-grade in the Upper Darby School District near Philadelphia while Jack was stationed there as an army helicopter pilot. Jack's professional career with Scott Paper, Statler Paper and as a broker resulted in several moves. Together they lived in Salisbury, MD; Charleston, SC; Woodcliff Lake, NJ; Sherborn, MA and Allison Park, PA. Wherever she went, Marilyn built a warm, welcoming home for her family and friends.

Marilyn and Jack raised two children, Mark and Pamela. As a mother, Marilyn brought kindness, creativity, and deep commitment to her family. She took immense joy in watching her children and grandchildren thrive and often spoke with pride about their accomplishments. Marilyn was the family historian and preserved generations of records, photographs, letters, and stories.

Marilyn loved spending time with people. Among her many activities, she created sewing clubs in both Woodcliff Lake and Sherborn. She also served as a deacon at Pilgrim Church and president of her neighborhood homeowners' association in Allison Park. Marilyn and Jack loved the numerous dogs and cats they owned over the decades. Later in life, they also began caring for the pets of others while operating a successful pet care business in Allison Park. After Jack's death, Marilyn remained devoted to her dog, Bonnie, and cat, Ricky.

Marilyn is preceded in death by her husband Jack (d. January 15, 2019); her parents George and Martha Potts; and her grandparents, Dr. Benjamin and Grace Barnard.

She is survived by her children: Mark Walter (Nancy) of East Haddam, CT, and Pamela Douglass (Kevin) of Pittsburgh, PA; six grandchildren: Hayley (Ryan), Kathryn (Andrew), Drew (April), Julia (Chris), Margaret (Bennett), and Lydia (Taylor); and 6 great grandchildren, Bryson, Beckham, Raymond, Bentley, Jack, and Lucy.

The family is grateful for the loving care provided by Adult Living at Rosebrook and Monarch Hospice. A private memorial service will be held at Fairmont Memorial Park Chapel, Alliance, Ohio. Marilyn will be laid to rest beside her husband, Jack. Memorial donations may be made to Pilgrim Church Memorial Fund, 25 South Main Street, Sherborn, MA 01770.