Obituary of Marian Lorraine Siek

Marian Lorraine (McCollough) Siek passed from this life on September 29, 2023, from complications of Parkinson’s Disease. Marian was born in Laramie, WY, on November 27, 1942, to Albert and Helen (Harris) McCollough. In 1946 the family moved to New York, where sister Kimberly was born. They lived in East Bronx, Queens, and East Meadow, Long Island. Marian graduated from Earlham College in 1964 and went on to earn her Master’s Degree in Microbiology at Oregon State University. It was here that she met her future husband, Theodore Siek. Marian went to work at University of California Berkeley as an instructor in Microbiology. But she soon returned to Corvallis, OR, where she and Ted were married on June 29, 1968. Shortly after, the newlyweds moved to Hartford, CT. In the following years, they moved to Richmond, VA, where son Kevin was born in 1971, and then to Vienna, VA, where daughter Amy was born in 1974. The family of four then lived for several years in Aurora, CO, where Marian enjoyed hiking and skiing. They then settled in Southampton, PA, where Marian was a dedicated mother who volunteered in the school library and as a Girl Scout leader. She also worked tirelessly as the office manager for the laboratory where Ted served as founding director. After their retirement, they moved to Pittsburgh, PA, and called the community of Friendship Village their home. Everywhere that Marian and Ted lived, she was an active member at their local Lutheran Church. She was a member of various women’s circles, and served in children’s programs. She loved hymns and listening to radio programs. Marian often knew just about all the answers on her favorite TV show, “Jeopardy.” Marian was an encouragement and conduit of God’s love to those around her. She is remembered by many for her sincerity, patient disposition, and for the grace with which she faced her Parkinson’s Disease for over 25 years. As she faced many physical challenges, she was never known to complain. Quiet but not silent, she let her voice be heard when needed. She placed her trust in her Savior to the very end, saying, “God is good.” Marian is survived by her loving husband of 55 years, Theodore (“Ted”), son Kevin (Jennifer), daughter Amy Sarkett (Greg), sister Kimberly Thurler (John), sister-in law Doris Merrithew and family, and grandchildren James, Jessie, Ryan, Jenna, Evan, Kassidy, Keith, Caden, Nolan, Kimberly, and John. The family wishes to thank the medical staff of Friendship Village, Concordia Visiting Nurses, and The Wound Center at St. Clair Hospital for their kindness and care of Marian. A service of resurrection hope will be held at Zion Lutheran Church, 3197 Washington Pike, Bridgeville, PA 15017, at 2:30 PM on Friday, October 6. Visitation prior to the service from 1:30-2:30 PM at Zion. Burial will be private at National Cemetery of the Alleghenies. Arrangements entrusted to Warchol Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Parkinson Foundation, Compassion International, or Lutheran Hour Ministries.