Lucy Marckel Obituary

SARASOTA, FLORIDA - Former County Health Commissioner Lucy Weaver Marckel, a devoted advocate for public health and community well-being, passed away peacefully on June 4, 2025, in Sarasota, Florida. She was 91.

Lucy was born in Defiance, Ohio, in October 1933, the only child of Erma and Harold Rulman. Her lifelong dedication to helping others began early, attending St. John Catholic Elementary School and graduating from Defiance High School in 1951. She earned her nursing degree from St. Vincent's School of Nursing in 1954, followed by a Bachelor of Science from Defiance College in 1976 and a Master's Degree in public health from the University of Toledo in 1978.

Lucy's distinguished career was spent in service to the Defiance County Health Department, where she worked from 1955 until her retirement in 1990. She was appointed Health Commissioner in 1976 and held that role with compassion and dedication, finding deep fulfillment in her mission to safeguard public health.

On January 24, 1956, Lucy married Gerald F. Weaver at St. John Catholic Church in Defiance. After his passing in 2004, she found happiness again with Frederick D. Marckel, whom she married on October 26, 2007. They shared many warm years together until Fred's passing in December 2023. Following this loss, Lucy moved to Bradenton, Florida, to be closer to her daughter and son-in-law.

Lucy's strong faith and love for her community were central to her life. She was a lifelong member of St. John Catholic Church, where she served as an offertory counter and was a past president of the parish council. Her selfless spirit was honored through multiple awards, including the Athena Award for leadership in Defiance County, the Dorothy Royce Home Nursing Award, and the Friend of Public Health Award in 1992.

Beyond her professional contributions, Lucy was a vibrant presence in countless organizations, from the Defiance County Genealogy Society and the Ohio Public Health Association to the American Red Cross, the Caring Way Hospice Auxiliary, and the Alzheimer's R&R program. She loved genealogy, was a passionate reader, and took immense joy in gardening. She and Fred were well-known for their abundant harvests of pecans and strawberries, which they shared graciously with friends and neighbors.

Above all else, Lucy's heart was with her family. She is survived by her cherished daughter, Ann (Scott) Shevin of Bradenton, Florida; her grandsons, Mark Shevin of Raleigh, North Carolina, and Ryan Shevin of Chicago, Illinois; Jerry's nieces and nephews, and her loving stepchildren: Linda Marckel (Guy Lammers), Ron (Cheryl) Marckel, Tom (Cinda) Marckel, Gary (Janette) Marckel, and Ken Marckel. She also leaves behind eleven step-grandchildren and fourteen step-great-grandchildren, along with her sister-in-law, Joan Palmer, of Littleton, Colorado, and her brother-in-law, John Mohr, of Fernandino Beach, Florida. Lucy was preceded in death by her parents, her first husband Jerry Weaver, second husband Fred Marckel and sisters-in-law Patricia Marckel Dallape, Joyce Marckel Mohr and Marilyn Marckel Ryan.

Friends and family are invited to gather for visitation on Thursday, June 12, from 4 to 7 p.m. at Schaffer Funeral Home on Jefferson Avenue, Defiance. A memorial mass will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday, June 13, at St. John Catholic Church in Defiance, with Father Jason D'Souza officiating. Lucy will be laid to rest at Sherwood Cemetery, Delaware Township, Defiance County.

Memorial contributions in Lucy's honor may be made to St. John Catholic Church, Holy Cross Catholic School, DASH, the Defiance Area Foundation, or Defiance College. Online condolences can be given at www.Schafferfh.com.

Lucy's gentle spirit, her unwavering love for family, and her lifelong devotion to helping others will continue to inspire all who knew her. May her soul rest in eternal peace.