Marilyn A. Plante

PLANTE---Marilyn Ann (Peterson) Plante of Johnstown, Pennsylvania passed away peacefully of natural causes on Tuesday, May 20, 2025 at the age of 95. She was the loving wife of Roland Raymond Plante who preceded her in death in September 2001. She was also preceded in death by her parents George J. Peterson and Grace (Hartman) Peterson of Worcester Massachusetts, her brothers Donald Peterson and Russell Peterson and sister-in-law Rita (Plante) Mahoney. Marilyn was born in Worcester, Massachusetts on February 4, 1930, to parents George J. Peterson a wire mill worker and Grace G. (Hartman) Peterson a textile mill worker and homemaker. Born to a family of modest means during the Great Depression, Marilyn learned to be self-sufficient and live within her means, lessons which she would carry with her for the rest of her life. Marilyn attended the David Hale Fanning Trade School for Girls in Worcester where she learned catering skills. While still a teenager, Marilyn worked at the local roller-skating rink in Worcester where she met her future husband, Roland Plante. Roland and Marilyn shared a love of ballroom dancing and traveling. Married in 1953, Marilyn and Roland went on to raise a large family while Roland pursued a career as a civil engineer, eventually settling in Annandale, Virginia to work for the Veterans Administration. Marilyn and Roland lived in Annandale, Virginia until 1999 when upon Roland’s retirement they moved to Johnstown, Pennsylvania to be closer to family. After Roland passed away in 2001, Marilyn remained in Johnstown where she continued to live a long, fulfilling and independent life. Marilyn pursued many interests and hobbies during her life including collecting seashells, gardening, painting, drawing, thrifting, sewing, crocheting, working with dried flowers, and learning about nature and other cultures around the world. She loved to travel to National Parks in the USA and Canada. She was a wonderful cook. She loved spending time with her family and dining at her favorite restaurants. She was a devoted sports fan, passionately rooting for the Washington Redskins, Pittsburgh Steelers and Pittsburgh Penguins. She kept up with the times and had informed opinions of the TV shows, news and politics of the day. She was a supporter of Wounded Warriors. In her later years, folks at the restaurants she visited around town, independently and affectionately named her “Spunky” because of her high level of energy and enthusiasm. Above all, Marilyn was the loving mother, grandmother and great-grandmother to her large extended family. She had an uncommon ability to personally connect in a meaningful way with each of her family members and friends. She was greatly loved and will be missed dearly. Marilyn is survived by her five children and their spouses, Ronald and Karen Plante, Susan and Raymond Wrabley, Steven and Tina Plante, Holly Clark, Christine Plante, Laurie and Andrew Leitzinger, her eleven grandchildren and ten great-grandchildren and her niece and nephew Carol and Kevin Smith. Friends will be received from 5-8 p.m. Thursday, May 29, 2025 at the Harris Funeral Home, 500 Cherry Lane, Johnstown, PA 15904. Funeral Mass will be held at 10:00 a.m. Friday, May 30, 2025 at St. Benedict Catholic Church, Fr. David S. Peles, Pastor. The family suggests contributions be directed to Wounded Warriors in memory of Marilyn A. Plante. Online condolences may be posted at www.wharrisfuneralhome.com . Cremation by Laurel Highlands Crematory at Harris Funeral Home.