Marianne Poellot Cowling

Marianne Poellot Cowling, age 75, of Carlisle passed peacefully on Saturday, March 6th, after waging a courageous battle with cancer.
A native of Canonsburg, PA, Marianne was preceded in death by her parents,
Lydia and William Poellot and by brothers-in-law William C. Ritz and Floyd “Bub” Hall.
Marianne is survived by her son Brian P. Cowling, his partner Lisa Bernesser and grandaughters Laurel McCollam Cowling and Lainey McCollam Cowling of Pittsburgh.
She is also survived by her partner Lt. Col. Hugh Foster III (Ret.), of Carlisle as well as brother William Poellot (Linda), and nieces and nephews James Poellot (Nancy), Melinda Harkiewicz (Hugh) and Jennifer Harnetty (Brian). She is also survived by great nieces and nephews Sara Poellot, Ella Harkiewicz and Henry Harnetty. Additionally, Marianne is survived by sister Peggy Ritz and nieces and nephews David Ritz (Amy), Maria Bartifay, Christine Robinson (Steve) and Allen Ritz (Jennifer). She is also survived by great nieces and nephews Lucas Ritz, Alivia Bartifay, Aaron Bartifay, Kyle Bartifay, Bethany Hunsberger (Daniel), Emma Robinson, Lynnea Robinson, Grace Robinson, Ethan Howard and Amelia Howard. Additional survivors include stepson James Cowling (Kathy), step-granddaughters Emily Cowling and Sarah Champagne (Robby), sister-in-law Nancy Cowling Hall, niece Eugenia (Gary II) Rinehart and great niece Elizabeth Rinehart and great nephew Gary III Rinehart as well as multiple cousins.
She attended Immaculate Conception High School, graduating in 1963 and completed studies at Duquesne University with a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism in 1967. Marianne was the former Director of Publications at the Strategic Studies Institute of the U.S, Army War College, Carlisle, and worked there from 1973 to her retirement in 2009. While working at S.S.I. she attended Shippensburg University and obtained a Masters Degree in Mass Communications in 1977. For the past 10 years, Marianne was accompanied on life’s journey by her faithful and caring partner, Hugh. They had many wonderful adventures and spent much time traveling, attending reunions and events, dining and enjoying each other’s company. He was an amazing companion to Marianne and is a true blessing to the family. Marianne was an active member of Federally Employed Women and the National Association of Retired Federal Employees. She also spent time volunteering for the Furry Friends Network pet adoption agency in Boiling Springs and enjoyed participating in activities with the Carlisle Garden Club.
Marianne always cherished family and it was a constant focus of her life. She never missed an opportunity for a family activity or gathering, regardless of the occasion or location. Marianne was a very proud Mom, Grandmama, Sister and Aunt.
Friends were always exceptionally important to Marianne and the strength and devotion of her friendships was remarkable. Distance, as well as time since she last saw them was immaterial. She has friends that span the globe and multiple decades, Marianne took every opportunity to see and or communicate with them.
The faith instilled in Marianne from her youth and developed over 12 years of Catholic school and 4 years at Duquesne sustained her through numerous challenges including divorce and illness. This spirituality continued to provide peace and comfort to Marianne on her final journey. She was a long-time member of St. Patrick Church, Carlisle.
Marianne certainly enjoyed sharing time and a glass of wine, or two, with friends. A common occurrence at these occasions was her being merry and laughing. One could even hear the smile in Marianne’s voice when speaking with her on the phone. This pleasant optimism was infectious, and why everyone thoroughly enjoyed her company and presence.
Especially since her retirement from the Strategic Studies Institute, travel was the passion that drove Marianne. This provided opportunities for her to visit friends across the country and around the globe, as well as to explore by herself and with Hugh. This also provided Marianne an opportunity to exercise her love of photography. Multiple physical and digital photo albums documented these journeys and she loved sharing them with friends and family.
Marianne had a love for all four legged furry creatures. Several years ago, she adopted a sweet senior beagle, Harley, after she was abandoned by her original owners, to be euthanized, for no reason other than her age. Marianne and Harley developed an immediate and special bond and she was able to give Harley a wonderful few final years of a loving life.
Steeler football was a joy to Marianne and she relished donning the black & gold for an annual trek to Heinz Field with Brian to celebrate their mutual birthdays. In 2020, section 112 was especially quiet and missing Marianne’s trademark “ALL RIGHT!!!” after a particularly big play. She still missed being able to cheer for her all-time favorite, Troy Polamolo, but Notre Dame alumni Chase Claypool was an up and coming favorite.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, March 12, 2021 at St. Patrick Catholic Church, 85 Marsh Drive Carlisle, PA 17015. If you are unable to attend the mass on Friday, March 12th at 11am for Marianne Poellot Cowling and wish to watch the live stream, please follow the link below to St Patrick's church in Carlisle, Pa.
https://www.saintpatrickchurch.org/church/#live-stream
Burial will be at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, March 13, 2021 at Queen of Heaven Cemetery, 2900 Washington Road McMurray, PA 15317. There will be a procession to the cemetery leaving no later than 10:45 AM from St. Benedict the Abbot Church, 120 Abington Dr., McMurray PA 15317. A viewing will be held from 5:00 – 9:00 p.m. on Thursday, March 11, 2021 at the Hoffman Funeral Home and Crematory, 2020 West Trindle Road Carlisle, PA 17013. As mandated by Governor Wolfe maximum capacity during gatherings is restricted and you may be asked to wait at the door when you arrive until the numbers allow for your entrance.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you instead please make a charitable contribution to a meaningful cause of your choosing, in Marianne’s honor.
Finally, the family also wishes to express our heartfelt appreciation and gratitude to the staff, nurses and doctors of the Hershey Medical Center, particularly the 7th floor Inpatient Cancer Center and the 6th floor Medical Intensive Care Unit for the care, warmth, compassion and support that you were able to offer to Marianne, and our family, in this challenging time.
To sign the guestbook please visit www.hoffmanfh.com.