Marie "Scherpa" Scully

It is with sadness that the family of Marie Elena (Scherpa) Scully, 61, of Allentown, shares the news of her death on January 10. Marie was a beautiful, sensitive soul with an open heart who cherished her family, friends and all of God's creation. Marie was the loving wife of Gregg Scully for 27 years, and had deep love for her son, Damion Giering, and his family, wife Kristen and son Gage. She was the daughter of Theron (Pete) Phillipson and Joyce Rodgers Phillipson, both of whom predeceased her. Marie leaves behind sisters Melodie Delnero and Dani Cohen and brothers David Delnero, Carmino (Joe) Delnero and Nicholas Delnero, nieces and nephews.

Marie was in spiritual search for much of her early life, but she found great joy, purpose and comfort when she began Bible study and was eventually baptized as one of Jehovah's Witnesses on October 6, 2007. She was a member of the Allentown Central Congregation of Jehovah's Witnesses, where she enjoyed fellowship and service, sharing the Bible's message of hope with those she encountered.

Marie attended Lehigh Carbon Community College, where she graduated with honors. Much of Marie's work life was spent in the healthcare field, caring for and enriching the lives of the aging, her longest tenure being with Phoebe Home in Allentown. In more recent years, Marie worked with adults, and then later with children, with autism. Marie's compassionate nature touched the lives of countless individuals and their loved ones. Her genuine warmth and endearing smile brought brightness to many when they needed it most. Marie was also a talented photographer and had fond memories of the years she spent working at Dan's Camera City, where she was able to express her creativity and form meaningful friendships.

Another facet of Marie's life was her deep appreciation of nature and her love for animals, especially those in need of help. It was not uncommon for Marie to pull over her car to admire a majestic bird flying overhead, a striking sunset or to come to the aid of a wounded animal, stopping traffic and wrapping it in a blanket she kept in her car just for that purpose, then transporting it to receive care. One of her greatest joys in life was the daily company and antics of the cats that she and her husband rescued. Marie and Gregg's trips to Ocean City, NJ over the years were among their happiest days.

In lieu of flowers, the family welcomes donations of any kind to The Cat Shack, Trexlertown (https://the catshack.rescuegroups.org) in memory of Marie and her beloved cat Finnegan (Finnie), who brought her great comfort and companionship. This world has lost a sweet, wonderful human being, but we do so reassured by Marie's trust in the resurrection of God's faithful ones.

A memorial service will be held Saturday, February 21 at 4PM at the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah's Witnesses, 2050 Martin Luther King Jr. Drive, Allentown PA 18104.