Marcia Lynne Mehser Sanderlin

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

Memorial Gifts & Donations




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.


Purchase Flowers

Tribute Wall

Please feel free to sign the guestbook or share a memory



Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *


  • June 01, 2016
    Barbara Callihan says:
    Marcia was an enthusiastic cheerleader for her children, grandchildren and friends. Honored to have been a friend. Love and hugs to the family.

  • June 01, 2016
    Janice and Joe Dressler says:
    Marsha was a great and inspiring lady. She did a lot for our kids at Notre Dame with the swim team. She was one of a kind and she always had the biggest smile. She will be missed by all and my prayers go out to her children, Cindy and her family here in Portsmouth❤️

  • June 01, 2016
    Pam Harrell says:
    Was so honored to know such a special lady. Was always treated like family. Wish I could have one more fiesta Friday. Love you Marcia and will miss seeing your smiling face.

  • June 01, 2016
    Ann Marting Owens says:
    My friend Marcia will always be near and dear to my heart. We met in 1977 as both were active in a food co-op in Portsmouth. She was one of those amazing people that did not know a stranger. If you were in her home she bent over backwards to make you feel welcomed . If you were engaged in a conversation with her, she gave you her full attention . She generally cared about her friends and family. I've never met a more sincere and caring human being. I am sad at her passing. I am humbled and grateful s he called me friend. My distance and work prevents my attending her memorial but my heart will be there with Maggie, Eli, Casey and Cindy

  • June 01, 2016
    Georgia Miller says:
    I was heartbroken to hear of Marcia's passing. She was my cousin and I have so fearful memories of her and I along with her sister,Vicky, playing at our grandparents house. Marcia was truly a shing light. Even though I hadn't seen her for years, we spoke on the phone and always ended our conversations with "I love you". I will miss her terribly but hope to see her again someday.