Marcia J. McKnight

Marcia J. McKnight, age 74, of Mars, passed away peacefully at home on Monday, February 6th surrounded by close friends and family. 

Born in Pittsburgh, PA on September 24,1948, she was the daughter of the late Virginia Woltemar and Frank Jones and stepdaughter of the late George Woltemar. Marcia was married to James Andrew McKnight for 50 years. They spent the majority of their years together at their home on Tenacity Trail in Mars, PA. Little did they know how appropriate this location was for them. Their life was filled with the love, friendship, and tenacity to overcome any obstacles.

Marcia dedicated her heart to everything that she did - especially her large family and wide circle of caring friends. Spending time with her YAYAs, her book club, and bible study were top priorities.  She was a voracious reader who always had books in her home and one in her purse. Marcia volunteered as a Girl Scout Troop Leader, Sunday School Teacher, and Vacation Bible School Teacher. For years she helped run the Christmas Toy Drive in Mars, assuring every area child would have gifts under the tree. Always ready with a helping hand, a friendly smile, or a freshly-baked casserole, she was active at the Mars area schools serving as a homeroom mother, on the PTO, the board of MAFFEE and on AFS committees. She spent time reading in her grandchildren’s classroom.

Marcia helped raise many children during her years of running a home childcare. She wanted to be able to help others while taking care of her own family. She later spent years as a sales associate for Bali Bras/Sara Lee Intimates.  

Surviving are her two daughters, Jaime Williams (Clint) of Twin Falls, Idaho and Autumn Ivanchan (Shawn) of Mars, a son, Sean McKnight (John Bolton) of N.Y., N.Y. and her grandchildren, Noah, Talon, Mackenzie and Brooklyn. She is also survived by her sisters, Laurie Dick (Michael) of Bethel, Ohio and Tami Palbus (Michael) of Gibsonia, and a large, loving extended family.

She was preceded in death by her husband, James and her grandson, Alex Williams, and her brothers, Jack and George Woltemar. 

A service to celebrate her life will be held at Bakerstown United Methodist Church on Wednesday, February 15 at 10am. 

Donations can be made in her memory to The Mars Public Library or Sleep In Heavenly Peace. 

Condolences are available at www.mcdonald-aeberli.com.