Marcia Lynne Mehser Sanderlin

September 12, 1946 - May 27, 2016
Marcia Lynne Mehser Sanderlin

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Marcia Lynne Mehser Sanderlin passed away on May 27, 2016 at Lower Cape Fear Hospice in Wilmington, NC.

Born in 1946 in Lincoln, Nebraska, she was preceded in death by her parents, Victor and Mary Mehser. She is survived by a sister, Vicky and husband Neal Hatcher of Portsmouth, Ohio, three children, Maggi and husband Matt Apel of Wilmington, NC, a son Eli Sanderlin of Wilmington, NC and son Case Sanderlin of Venice Beach, California, Four grandchildren,  Peyton and Bryce Apel, George Sanderlin and Pyper Baron. She is also survived by a long-time friend and companion, Cindy Schultz.

Sanderlin was raised in Nashville, Tennessee where she attended The Harpeth Hall School for girls. She graduated from Portsmouth High School in Ohio in 1964. She received an associate Degree in Applied Sciences from Sullins College in Bristol, Virginia in 1966 and a BA in Journalism from The Ohio State University in 1968. She was an avid Buckeye fan.

Sanderlin began working in the family business, Savory Foods, Inc. a pork rind processor in 1984. She managed the Elks Country Club pool for 5 years and was instrumental in starting high school swimming in Scioto County, Ohio. As founder and coach of the Notre Dame Titans, she spent 12 years on deck and went undefeated in girls’ county championships.

In 2001, Sanderlin was honored to be an Olympic Torch Bearer for the 2002 Utah Olympics. She served two terms as chair of the American Red Cross and was involved in various other charities. She served on the Board of Directors of the International Snack Food Association.

Sanderlin’s body was cremated and a celebration is planned for her at her home on Wrightsville Beach, NC on June 18th at 5:00 pm for family and friends. Please make donations to Airlie Gardens or New Hanover County Arboretum to help keep this a beautiful place to live.

Please share memories and condolences with the family by clicking on the “Post a Condolence” tab below.

Wilmington Funeral & Cremation, 1535 S.41st Street Wilmington, NC 28403. 910.791.9099.


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  • June 01, 2016
    Emily Gladgow Bruno says:
    I went to Harpeth Hall with Marcia and was a fellow member of the Eccowasin Team. We missed her physical presence at our 50th reunion in 2014, but she stayed in touch from afar. We all loved her contributions! I send my heartfelt condolences to all of her family and friends.

  • June 01, 2016
    Emily Gladgow Bruno says:
    I went to Harpeth Hall with Marcia and was a fellow member of the Eccowasin Team. We missed her physical presence at our 50th reunion in 2014, but she stayed in touch from afar. We all loved her contributions! I send my heartfelt condolences to all of her family and friends.

  • June 01, 2016
    Aimee Bryant says:
    Honored to get to know and spend time with your mom. She was a great listener and provided good advice --always accompanied by smiling eyes and good laughter. I know she will forever be in our hearts. Hugs to you all and may you keep her spirit alive and with you always.

  • June 01, 2016
    Shari (McFarland) Allen says:
    Cindy, I am so sorry for your loss. I wish I could have met Marcia, she is now free from her chair and free from pain.

  • June 01, 2016
    Cheryl Mershon says:
    Many great memories with Marcia & Lucinda.... At work And play.!! She certainly lived a full life with her ever growing family & friends. RIP My Friend.