Marsha M. Persky

Marsha Marie Persky (Shadwick) age 79, passed away on June 28, 2026, at Jefferson Hospital, in the arms of her family. She was born on July 4, 1946, and was the eldest child of the late Joseph F. Shadwick and Esther Shadwick (Synko) of Glassport.

Marsha’s family was her world. There was no question.

She is survived by her daughter, Lisa Florian (Jason) of Pittsburgh; her son, Christopher Persky (Richard Ford) of Rancho Cucamonga, California; and her son, Brian Persky of West Mifflin. She was the proud grandmother of Nicholas and Nathan Florian, Brayden Persky, and Peter, Sophie, Max, and Gavin Ford. She is also survived by her sister, Natalie Mawritz of Havertown, along with additional family and friends.

Marsha worked for the former Union National Bank in McKeesport back in the 1970s before starting a family. Years later, as a single mom, she graduated from Community College of Allegheny County with an associate’s degree to become an ophthalmic technician. Although she never worked in that field, she did the best she could for her family. She also cared for her mother for a few years later in life, which, while difficult, was a huge help to her siblings at the time.

That’s who she was. The caregiver. She was always there to help.

Mom didn’t ever have much in terms of material things. That didn’t stop her from noticing when people needed a little kindness or sharing what she did have. When her roommate at the nursing facility didn’t have a warm comforter, Mom said, “We need to get her one.” And so, we did.

Each week, after returning to the facility from time out with her daughter, she made sure to bring back treats to share with her friends and the nurses too. Even lollipops or the simplest things were her way of making people feel special or saying thank you. She loved to play bingo, and when she won prizes, she often gave them away.

When she lived on her own and her health allowed, she cooked meals for neighbors, checked in on friends, and never, ever forgot to send a card because she believed those little things mattered. Cards were a huge deal to her. Even when she didn’t have much herself, she always found something to give. Whether it was five dollars tucked into an envelope for a charity, a homemade meal, or a thoughtful card sent just because, she gave from the heart. And when anything was given to her, she was grateful and appreciative.

If you knew Mom, you knew her laugh. It was contagious. She was funny, quick-witted, sarcastic, and depending on the day, her kids felt she was one of the “Golden Girls,” but never Blanche if you are familiar with the show. She also never missed a chance to compliment someone or make them feel good. If she liked your hair, your outfit, or your smile, she was going to tell you. She dove right in and led with it: “You look so nice today. You are so pretty,” or “You are so handsome.”

Mom noticed everything.

She also wasn’t afraid to speak her mind in the other direction. She sure had a way with words, and when she had something to say, she said it honestly, as everyone should. She was a firecracker, illustrative of her 4th of July birthday for sure.

She loved cooking and baking, especially for the people she loved. She was a great cook. She was also very crafty. She made wreaths and flower arrangements. In the past couple of years, she really enjoyed coloring and making small decorations. Even while living in a nursing facility, her room was filled with decorations, crafts, and all the little touches that made it feel like home.

Christmas was her favorite holiday, but she celebrated every season. As soon as one holiday was over, the decorations for the next one came out. Literally the next day. This tradition carries on.

She loved spending time with her grandchildren and watched them when they were little. She was always in the stands cheering at her grandson’s games. She loved music, dancing, and a good Bee Gees song. She enjoyed funny movies, bingo, football pools, all the Pittsburgh sports teams, and Penn State. WE ARE.

She always looked put together, loved the color blue, and had beautiful blue eyes that no one who knew her will ever forget.

Mom was so so so proud of her children and grandchildren. She did a damn good job! That was her job and the one she treasured most. No one could ever question how much she loved them. She said “I love you” often, and she meant it every single time. The way her children love their own families reflects the love she gave them. Quite frankly, she taught us how to love. There is no greater gift.

Her daughter will forever treasure so much, especially the time. All the weekends they spent together and the memories of holding her mother’s hand while singing in the car; going out on special lunch or dinner dates when her son, Chris, was in town; and chatting about the local sports teams with her son, Brian. Looking back, those ordinary moments were the ones that mattered most.

While she never had much in the way of material things, no one was richer in love than Mom. She taught us that love isn’t about what you can buy. It’s about showing up. It’s about giving your time. It’s about helping when you can and making sure the people you love never have to wonder if you love them.

Moments. Making memories. The gift of time.

Her love lives on in her children, her grandchildren, and everyone lucky enough to have known her. We will carry her with us every day in the way we love each other, in the time we choose to spend together, and in the words “I love you” that we will never leave unsaid.

Following Mom’s wishes, there will be no viewing or funeral service. She wanted her family to do what she loved most: simply spend time together. Now, they will celebrate what would have been her 80th birthday, together, but with her in spirit.

If you would like to honor her memory, please don’t send her family flowers or a lantern. Tell someone you love them today. Send them a card. A picture frame with a memory captured. Make the phone call. Spend the extra hour together. Extend kindness to someone who may need it. Those were the things that mattered most to her. If you want to donate, help those with mental illness or kidney disease. Help any child, veteran, those who are food insecure – just help someone.

She will always be loved, always be missed, and never ever ever be forgotten.

Fly free, Mom, like the butterflies you loved to color. Reunite with your love and fiancé Jim, who passed in 1993. He was waiting for you.