Marcia Phillips Malardie

Marcia Phillips Malardie, born on Good Friday, April 23, 1943, was the beloved only child of Erma V. and Richard P. Phillips. She grew up in Pittsburgh and graduated from South Hills High School in 1961. Following graduation, Marcia spent a decade working as a secretary, and during those years she welcomed her two cherished daughters, Cinda and Melissa, with Norman Flaherty. Guided by a deep calling to care for others, Marcia entered training at the Mercy Hospital School of Nursing, earning her RN degree in 1973. She went on to serve as a dedicated psychiatric nurse at Mayview State Hospital, where she worked with compassion and commitment for 30 years. While working full-time, she also continued her education, proudly completing her bachelor’s degree in education from California University of Pennsylvania in 1989. In 1977, Marcia married her soulmate, James “Shorty” Malardie. Together they shared a life filled with laughter, adventure, and simple joys. After retiring in 2002, Marcia delighted in traveling, visiting casinos with her husband, enjoying good wine and good food, spending time with her beloved Tonkinese cats, was a steadfast "Pittsburgh Pirates fan", and creating warm memories with family and friends. Being civic minded, Marcia served on the board of directors of the Canonsburg Public Library for many years. Marcia was a devoted member of St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in Mt. Lebanon, where she completed the Education for Ministry program and participated enthusiastically in the church’s book club. For the past two years, she brought her characteristic warmth and humor to the community at Strabane Trails in Washington County, where she was an engaged and cherished resident. She is survived by her daughters, Cinda (John) Maxwell and Melissa (Mark) Vito, and by her treasured grandchildren Jensen Maxwell, Jacob Vito, and Ava Vito. She also leaves behind her lifelong best friend, Bonnie Lawrence, and Bonnie’s daughter—Marcia’s “third daughter”—Tracy Galloway and her stepchildren, James and Joseph Malardie and Janice Martinez. Marcia will be remembered for her kindness, her resilience, her quick wit and the love she poured into everyone fortunate enough to know her. Private family visitation and services will be held at Salandra Funeral and Cremation Services, Inc. Joseph P. Salandra LFD owner/supervisor 304 West Pike Street Canonsburg (724) 745-8120. Interment will follow at Forest Lawn Gardens McMurray. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions in Marcias’s name are suggested to be made to the Washington Area Humane Society P.O. Box 661 Eighty-Four PA 15330. To view or extend condolences please visit www.director@salandrafunerals.com