Marilyn A. Murphy Volchko, 91, of Bradford passed away quietly in her sleep Wednesday (July 9, 2025) at The Pavilion at Bradford Regional Medical Center.

Born April 17, 1934, in Bradford, she was a daughter of the late Frederick F. and Helen L. Benning Murphy Shurilla.

She was a 1952 graduate of Bradford Area High School. Marilyn then attended Pennsylvania State University for one year.

On Nov. 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 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 Chautauqua (N.Y.) Lake, in the Allegheny National Forest and at the Allegheny Reservoir. She loved traveling and enjoyed the outdoors by riding her motorcycle, snowmobile and four-wheeler through the woods surrounding Bradford.

Surviving are one daughter, Cynthia L. Fenstermaker of Northampton; one son, Randy S. Volchko of Visalia, Calif.; one sister, Colleen (Murphy) Mann of Strongsville, Ohio; four grandchildren, Eric S. and Matthew J. Fenstermaker of Bristol, Conn., and Northampton, respectively, and Joey and Jack Volchko, both of Visalia; and many nieces, nephews and cousins.

In addition to her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by one infant son, John J. Volchko; her longtime 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; a brother-in-law, Michael A. Mann; and a niece, Meghan M. Mann of Strongsville.

Family will receive friends from 10 to 11 a.m. Thursday (July 17, 2025) at Hollenbeck-Cahill Funeral Homes Inc., 33 South Ave., where funeral services will follow with the Rev. Stacey Fussell, rector of Church of the Ascension, officiating. Burial will be in McKean Memorial Park Cemetery.

Memorial contributions, if desired, may be made to the American Heart Association, 4601 Fairfax Drive, Arlington, VA 22203.

Funeral arrangements are under direction of Hollenbeck-Cahill Funeral Homes Inc. Online condolences may be expressed at hollenbeckcahill.com.