Marsha J. Parker
Berlin

Marsha Jane Parker passed away on October 5, 2026, in Berlin, Maryland, surrounded by family and friends. She was just shy of her 87th birthday. Marsha will be deeply missed.

Born Martha Jane Zurowski in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania, Marsha grew up on Merryhill Farm in Emmaus, Pennsylvania. She was the daughter of the late Ted and Martha Zurowski.

Marsha was the valedictorian of Emmaus High School and held the scoring record for the school’s girls’ basketball team (49 points). She attended and graduated from Gettysburg College, where she met her beloved husband, Robert “Wheaties” Parker, also a basketball star. Together, Marsha and Bob raised their family and built a wonderful life that took them around the world, including years living in New Zealand, Nigeria and Singapore. Marsha made friends everywhere she went.

Marsha cared deeply about her family, animals and children. She worked as a preschool teacher and generously gave her time to the local animal shelter and the Riding for the Disabled charity. A lifelong dog lover, she provided a loving home to many lucky dogs.

Marsha is survived by her beloved husband, Robert “Wheaties” Parker; her loving children and their spouses, Robert and Jane Parker of The Woodlands, Texas, and Jennifer Jane Parker and Rudy van Zyl of Los Angeles, California; and her cherished grandchildren, Sophie Jane Parker (23), Jake Parker (21) and Parker Jane van Zyl (21).

Marsha was cremated following her passing. The family is planning a small celebration of her life. In lieu of flowers, donations in her memory may be made to the Worcester County Humane Society (https://www.worcestercountyhumanesociety.org/).

Arrangements are in the care of The Burbage Funeral Home in Berlin.