Cover photo for Marilyn M. Nyland's Obituary
Marilyn M. Nyland Profile Photo

Marilyn M. Nyland

April 29, 1944 — September 15, 2024

Lititz, Pennsylvania

Marilyn Nyland, a cherished resident of Lititz for the last seven years and a long-time member of the Lancaster community for over 50 years, passed away on September 15, 2024, at Moravian Manor. She was born in Ashtabula, Ohio, to Guy and Blanche Meade and graduated from Jefferson High School in Jefferson, Ohio. She married George Nyland on August 2, 1964. They moved to Columbus where George attended the Ohio State University College of Veterinary Medicine. She attended Ohio Northern University until starting their family. She then took care of the family and supported George while he finished veterinary school. 

Marilyn was the loving wife of George Nyland and mother of Craig Nyland (Regina Pleger Nyland) and Kathy Nyland Steed (Jeff Steed). She is also survived by three grandchildren: Jarod Steed (Torie Cochran Steed), Sophia Nyland Duke (Garris Duke), and Melissa Pleger.

Family was always very important to her. She cherished her time with her grandchildren from the beginning and remained an incredibly supportive grandmother. She almost never missed any event that involved her family.

Music was a significant part of Marilyn's life from a young age. She began playing piano at age seven and competed in various competitions throughout Northeast Ohio and Northwest Pennsylvania. For eight years, she played for Sunday School at the First United Methodist Church in Jefferson. This led to a profound love for musical theater and she would make annual trips to New York City with friends to see Broadway shows. She loved going to the Fulton Theater and shows at Hershey as well. 

Marilyn was very involved in her community. She was a member and past president of the Pennsylvania Veterinary Medical Association Auxiliary, where she helped organize state veterinary conferences. Additionally, she volunteered in the Conestoga Valley School District and served as the Director of the Lancaster/Lebanon Association for Children with Learning Disabilities, assisting families in setting up IEPs for children with special needs.

At Holy Trinity Lutheran Church in Lancaster, where she was an active member for over 50 years, Marilyn participated in many committees, sang in the choir, and was one of the founders of a Living and Learning Sunday School class, which she taught for many years.

A passionate gardener and flower arranger, she was a member of the Women’s Garden Club of Lancaster since 1988 and held many offices in the organization including President. She also led the Christmas decoration efforts at Moravian Manor. Marilyn was also an avid card player, enjoying games like Hand and Foot, as well as a dedicated bowler, participating in the Lancaster Friendship Bowling League for 40 years and being a member of the Women’s International Bowling Congress.

Marilyn touched the lives of many and will be remembered fondly by family and friends. In her own words: "Please remember all the good times we had with one another and smile when you think of me. I feel very blessed to have known and loved you."

**Memorial Service**  Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend a memorial service at Holy Trinity Lutheran Church on October 12, 2024, at 11:00 AM, with Linda and Cliff Hanus officiating. Friends may greet the family from 10:00 AM until the service begins in the Parish House.

*Contributions**  In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in her memory to the American Cancer Society (donate.cancer.org) or to Holy Trinity Lutheran Church (trinitylancaster.org).

To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Marilyn M. Nyland, please visit our flower store.

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