Marilyn Jean Genck Newsham

Marilyn Jean Genck Newsham passed away peacefully on Sunday, January 4, 2026 in Salem, VA, at the age of 91. She was born on March 9, 1934, in Erie, the daughter of the late Clarence and Marian Rilling Genck.

A woman of remarkable strength and independence, Marilyn lived her life with purpose, resilience, and love. While her life story on this earth has come to an end, those who loved her find comfort in knowing that her next chapter has now begun.

Marilyn proudly wore many titles in her life – Daughter, Wife, Friend, Teacher, Mom, Grandma, and Gigi-each one cherished and lived fully. Family was at the center of her world and she made every effort to attend events whenever she was able. Her presence was a constant source of encouragement, love, and pride.

As a former home economics teacher, she shared practical skills and creativity with generations of students, leaving a lasting impression both in and beyond the classroom. Teaching was more than a profession to her- it was an extension of who she was.

For many years, she found great joy in camping. She spent times doing ceramics, puzzles, reading, and forming lifelong friendships that brought her laughter and connection. Those memories remained close to her heart.

A gifted and passionate crafter, she especially loved quilting, Through fabric, patience, and skill, she created pieces that reflected warmth, care, and love-many of them treasured by family members as lasting reminders of her talent and love.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her step-mother, Helen Watkins Genck, her husband, William “Bing” Newsham, and her son-in-law, Bill Laird.

She is survived by her three children: Leigh Ann Newsham Guidi (Allan Fasnacht) of Salem, VA, Robert Newsham (Sallie) of Erie, and Traci Newsham Laird of Erie, six grandchildren: Becky Stroud (Travis) of Salem, VA, Jodi Gregory (Bryan) of Salem, VA, John Guidi (Sarah) of Roanoke, VA, Christina Wilcox of Erie, Sean Newsham (Allie) of Fairview, and Billy Laird (Caitlyn) of Rogers, AR, and nine great-grandchildren.

Her legacy lives on in the lessons she taught, the quilts she stitched, the friendships she nurtured, and the family she loved so fiercely. She will be deeply missed and forever remembered. Per her wishes, there will be no service. All arrangements were handled by the Dusckas-Martin Funeral Home and Crematory, Inc., 4216 Sterrettania Rd.

Donations may be made in memory of Marilyn at the Barber National Institute, 100 Barber Place, Erie, PA 16507 or a charity of one’s choosing.