Marlene H. Shank

Marlene Helen Shank, 90, of Boonsboro, died Wednesday afternoon, July 27, 2022, at her home. She was preceded in death by her husband of 68 years, Thomas H. Shank, in 2019.

Born in Hagerstown on May 4, 1932, she was the daughter of the late Lester and Helen Warden. Marlene graduated from Hagerstown High School in 1950. It was during high school that she met the love of her life - Tom Shank. They married in 1952 and he promptly entered the Army for the Korean War. After his discharge, they had two sons. Once her sons were in elementary school, she returned to school herself earning her Associates degree at Hagerstown Community College, Bachelor's degree at Shepherd University and Master's degree at Shippensburg University.

She was a school librarian in Washington County. She particularly enjoyed her many years of teaching at Pangborn Elementary as she had an amazing appreciation of and ability to connect with young children. She especially enjoyed Halloween where she often dressed for the occasion and entertained with spooky stories. After retiring she often reminisced about her time teaching and her students. She was always delighted to encounter her former students as full-grown adults.

Marlene was a life-long member of Christ's Reformed Church, UCC. She was also a member of Soroptimist International, the Nine and Ninety, and the Hagerstown Community College Foundation Board.

Marlene will be greatly missed by her two sons and their spouses: Timothy H. and Lisa Shank and Theodore H. (Ted) and Jill Shank, all of Hagerstown. Marlene was the much beloved and proud Grandma to eight grandchildren: Sarah Shank (Hagerstown), Tessa Shank (Veronica) (Phoenix, AZ), Adam Shank (Hagerstown), Ellen Shank (San Francisco, CA), Marissa Krandell (Boynton Beach, FL), Taryn Shank (Madison, WI), Josh Krandell (Austin, TX) and Taylor Shank (Hagerstown). Marlene was preceded in death by her brothers Galen Warden and William Warden: and is survived by her sister, Norma Winpigler of Frederick, MD.

Until his passing in 2019, it was unusual to see Marlene without Tom. Marlene and Tom traveled extensively, enjoyed convertible rides, dining out with friends and eating ice cream. She played bingo, golf and bowled. She loved collecting frogs, reading books, taking pictures, and rooting for the Washington Redskins. She was known for her immaculate dressing, her gardening, and her pie baking (especially black raspberry). She was most proud of being a grandmother and her grandchildren loved to spend the night at their grandmother's house. Her laugh and zest for life will be missed.

The family is thankful for the nurses and health care professionals who warmly and compassionately cared for her during the past two years.

The family will receive friends from 6:00 PM to 7:30 PM on Monday, August 1st and there will be a memorial service at 10:00 AM on Tuesday, August 2nd followed by a grave side service at the Shanktown Cemetery. Both the receiving of friends and memorial service will be at the Douglas A. Fiery Funeral Home at 1331 Eastern Boulevard North, Hagerstown, MD.

Memorial contributions may be made in Marlene's name to her church, Christ's Reformed Church, UCC at 130 West Franklin Street, Hagerstown, MD 21740.

Online condolences may be expressed at www.douglasfiery.com