Marianne Spicher, 74, of Indiana, PA and Zephyrhills, FL, died Friday, December 25, 2015 in Greenville, South Carolina after a brief battle with cancer. She was born in New York City and raised in Central City, PA by her parents, the late Michael Sankovich and Anna (Kovach) Sankovich.

She was a 1959 graduate of Shade-Central City Union High School. As a young lady, she worked as a waitress at “the Ship” hotel/restaurant along Route 30 in Bedford. She received her bachelor’s degree in education from Indiana State Teachers College in 1963. On August 3, 1963 she married the love of her life, the late William H. Spicher, Jr. to whom she was married to for 46 years.

She began her elementary school teaching career in Clymer, then moving on to Penn Run and Penns Manor elementary schools. While raising her family and pursuing her career, she obtained her master of education degree at Indiana University of Pennsylvania in 1970. After a 30 year career in teaching, she retired.

Marianne was very involved in a variety of activities. She enjoyed cards and belonged to several bridge clubs over the years. She also enjoyed playing mahjong. She was a member of the “Novelletes” book club, and belonged to the Red Hat Society. She enjoyed going to Silver Sneakers and was an avid golfer. Marianne was a member of Grace United Methodist Church, where she was an active volunteer and formerly involved with the food bank. She was also the former community participation chairwoman for region 6 of PSERS (Public School Employees Retirement System). She also volunteered at the Gulfside Regional Hospice, and was treasurer of the Betmar Acres friendship club.

Marianne loved to travel. She visited many national parks and toured over 12 countries. Most recently she combined two of her interests, travel and golf, when she and her sons went to Ireland in 2014 to play several rounds of golf in various locations throughout the country. But her favorite activity was spending time with family and friends. Whether it was going to the river, camping at Clear Creek, watching Steeler games, going to see the Pirates at spring training, attending a religious or cultural event, or just sitting around and sharing a few laughs, Marianne was an active participant, and she will be sorely missed by all her knew and loved her.

She is survived by son William Henry (Donna) Spicher of State College, PA; son Jeffrey Paul (Lynn) Spicher of Greenville, SC; grandchildren Jennifer Spicher of State College, PA, and Henry and Oliver Spicher of Greenville, SC; sister-in law Linda (Jim) Ryan of Indiana, PA, and aunts Eva Palanes of Ocala, FL and Betty Shibilski of Lodi, NJ, along with numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.

She was preceded in death by her husband, her parents, and her step-father, John Galish.

Friends will be received at Wednesday, December 30th from 2 – 4 & 6 – 8 PM at the Rairigh-Bence Funeral Home of Indiana. Her funeral service will be held at 10 Am Thursday morning at the funeral home. Pastor Kathy Mihoerck will officiate. Interment will be in the Greenwood Cemetery, Indiana.

In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting that donations be made to any of the following in memory of Marianne: Grace United Methodist Church, Indiana PA; Lutheran Hospice, 429 N. Main Street #3, Greenville SC 29601, and for funds towards the purchase of a bench on the golf course at Betmar Acres, Zephyrhills, FL.

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