Marian L. (Thurston) McCracken

Marian Lois (Thurston) McCracken formerly of Jersey Shore,Pa. and a resident of The Highlands Care Center Laporte,Pa., passed away just after her 97th birthday on 4/13/18.

She was born in Ulysses,Pa. to Cora (Lebaron) Thurston & Francis “Leo” Thurston on 4/12/1921.  She and her siblings moved to Jersey Shore where later she graduated from the Jersey Shore High School in 1939.

She leaves behind her husband and life long partner Hobert W. McCracken Who is a resident at The Highlands Care Center Laporte, Pa. (he is fast approaching 101 years old.)

She also leaves behind two sons Jon H. McCracken and wife Bobby Jo of Laporte, Pa. and son Michael McCracken & friend Ellen of Kissimmee, Fla.  Three Grandchildren Jon David McCracken and wife Lori (Weaver) of Mill-Hall, Pa.  Granddaughter Susan (McCracken) McQuillen and husband Brian of Williamsport, Pa.  Grandson Robert McCracken of Connecticut Seven Great Grandchildren and two Great Great grandchildren.

Marian met the love of her life while ice skating near Jersey Shore,Pa on a winter day.  Marian & Hobert dated three years then married on 8/17/1940 (In four months it would have beentheir 78th Wedding Annv.)  Marian grew up during the Great Depression and had an integral role in that time. During The “Cold War” in the 40’s & 50’s Marian volunteered well over a thousand hours in what was known as the “Ground Observer Corp.” off shoot of all those hours manning her post was the package of cinnamon rolls one local baker produced and a great treat for us every Thursday.  One of Marian’s best friends was the daughter of Prince Farrington “Gladys Farrington” Porter. He was well known for the excellent bootleg whisky during prohibition period , and the stories told to Marian were both fascinating and sad.  Marian became an excellent cook and baker much to Hobert and the boy’s taste buds. She was a life long member of the First Presbyterian Church in Jersey Shore, she sang many years in the choir, and enjoyed immensely the church group of younger men and women, the “Terians”. She was a friend to many, loved bowling,fishing,swimming and over all things she loved “Pine Creek” where she and her husband owned a cabin in the mid 60’s and they spent much of their time there until the bad flood of 1972 ended their time on the creek and also took their home in Jersey Shore.  They then moved to Loyalsock Creek and spent 38 Years until the flood of 2011 took away that home too.

Marian was pre-deceased by her parents , a brother John Thurston & a sister Marguerite Shay.  Services will be Friday 4/20/18 at the Rearick-Carpenter Funeral home in Jersey Shore Pa. Viewing at 10AM Services at 11AM with burial at Rest Haven Memorial Park

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