Phyllis J. Mariskovic

Phyllis J. Mariskovic, 94, of Mechanicsburg, passed away with her daughter holding her hand, on Saturday, November 16, 2024, at Messiah Lifeways, Upper Allen Township. Born on March 19, 1930, in Harrisburg, she was the daughter of the late Earl Nevin and Sarah Elizabeth (Root) Miller.

A graduate of William Penn High School (’48), she would go on to begin coursework in nursing. Switching gears, she began employment with the federal government, and at the same time, served her country in the U.S. Navy Reserve. Phyllis held multiple jobs while raising her daughter; she worked at a children’s clothing store for 20+ years and would also go back to work for the federal government; she would ultimately retire from the Mechanicsburg Navy Depot as Supervisor of the Engineering Files Record Department. Soon after, she began working part-time in the Hope United Methodist Church office and as a bookkeeper and office manager for Dental Health of Silver Spring. Age was just a number for Phyllis, as she went back to school and earned an associate degree from Lebanon Valley College at age 70. She would work into her mid-80s.

She was a former member of Hope UM Church and current member of Remnant Life Church, both in Mechanicsburg. She was a longtime volunteer with The Fresh Air Fund, and she enjoyed traveling, especially with family. Trips to the Jersey Shore (especially Stone Harbor) were a staple for Phyllis and her siblings; starting in 1945, this tradition would span more than sixty years. She had a memorable vacation to Europe with her two sisters and brother, and she would make countless more memories across the pond after purchasing a timeshare in Ireland in the mid-1980s. Phyllis was patriotic, a woman of faith, and a wonderful example for her daughter. Her independent spirit will remain with those who knew her best.

Surviving is her daughter, Karen I. Stephenson (Thomas) of Greensburg, KS; a sister, Laura M. Mellinger of Severna Park, MD; and many loving nieces and nephews. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by a sister, H. Ruth Gearhart; and a brother, Lynn B. Miller.

A public viewing will take place from 11AM until funeral services begin at 12PM on Friday, November 22, 2024, at Parthemore Funeral Home & Cremation Services, New Cumberland. Burial will immediately follow in Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church Cemetery, Enola.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a contribution in Phyllis’s name to any of the following: Bethesda Mission at www.bethesdamission.org, New Hope Ministries at www.nhm-pa.org, or the Fresh Air Fund at www.freshair.org.