Marilyn A. (Murphy) Volchko, 91, of Bradford, passed away quietly in her sleep on Wednesday, July 9, 2025, at the Pavilion at Bradford Regional Medical Center.
Born on April 17, 1934, in Bradford, she was a daughter of the late Frederick F. and Helen L. (Benning) Murphy Shurilla.
She is a 1952 graduate of Bradford Area High School. Marilyn then attended The Pennsylvania State University for one year.
On November 25, 1961, in Pittsburgh, Marilyn married John J. Volchko who preceded her in death on June 12, 1994.
She was employed at Dresser Manufacturing as a secretary. Marilyn voluntarily retired from the workforce to devote her life to raising her children. Later, she re-entered employment in the banking industry. She worked at Northwest Savings and then accepted a position at family-run Producer’s Bank before retiring. Marilyn enjoyed the relationships she had with her banking clients.
Marilyn was involved in many church and civic organizations, especially those that were related to the activities of her children. Devoutly religious, she served and held offices in the Women’s Guild and the Vestry at the Church of Ascension. She was a member of the PTA at Lincoln Elementary School and the Booster Club for the Bradford Area High School Marching Owls. Marilyn volunteered for the Boy Scouts and was a leader with the Girl Scouts of America. She was also active and held various positions in the Bradford Oil Producers Association, the Kinzua Reunion, and the Allegheny National Forest Visitors Bureau (ANF). Marilyn also enjoyed assisting with her high school class in holding their reunions.
Prior to marriage, Marilyn enjoyed and excelled in skiing, golfing, and bowling earning many trophies for her skills. The family enjoyed camping at Chatauqua Lake, the Allegheny National Forest, and the Kinzua Dam. She loved travelling and enjoyed the outdoors by riding her motorcycle, snowmobile, and four-wheeler through the woods surrounding Bradford.
Surviving is one daughter, Cynthia L. Fenstermaker, of Northampton, one son, Randy S. Volchko, of Visalia, CA, one sister, Colleen (Murphy) Mann, of Strongsville, OH, four grandchildren, Eric S. and Matthew J. Fenstermaker, of Bristol, CT. and Northampton, respectfully, and Joey and Jack Volchko, both of Visalia, CA, and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.
She is preceded in death by her parents, husband, one infant son, John J. Volchko, her long-time companion, Richard C. Morrison, formerly of Marshburg, one brother and sister-in-law, Thomas F. and Mary (Hvizdzak) Murphy, formerly of Custer City, one sister, Maureen F. Murphy Ombres, of Pittsburgh, and a brother-in-law, Michael A. Mann, and a niece, Meghan M. Mann, of Strongsville, OH.
Family will receive friends on Thursday July 17, 2025, from 10 AM to 11 AM in the Hollenbeck-Cahill Funeral Homes, Inc., 33 South Avenue, Bradford, PA, where funeral services will be held at 11 AM, with Rev. Stacey Fussell, Rector of the Church of the Ascension, officiating. The burial will be in McKean Memorial Park Cemetery.
Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Hollenbeck-Cahill Funeral Homes, Inc.
Memorial contributions if desired may be made to the American Heart Association, 4601 Fairfax Dr., Arlington, VA 22203.
Online condolences may be expressed at www.hollenbeckcahill.com