Marilyn G. Bernache

Marilyn Elaine Bernache, nee Ghrist July 15, 1942-October 25, 2025

Marilyn was born in Swissvale PA to Ralph and Evangeline Ruth Ghrist. She had a Lutheran upbringing with sisters Jacquie and Sandi, and brother Bobby. 

Marilyn began her college training in physical therapy at University of Maryland, College Park and finished at University of Maryland, Baltimore. While at UMB, she joined Zion Lutheran Church and sang in its choir. She married then Assistant Pastor and Music Director Bob Booher in 1965. 

The 60s and 70s brought motherhood and professional achievement for Marilyn. She was the devoted mother of Debrah and Michael, and completed a master’s degree in education at Johns Hopkins University. She helped create and taught in the first education program for physical therapy assistants at Baltimore City Community College. She was named to the State Board of Physical Therapy Examiners. 

Marilyn gave her all to career, volunteerism at church, and diverse interests, with a strong work ethic and memorable sense of humor. She was a talented seamstress, a presence in her children’s years at Pony Club, and enthusiastically worked to support the family’s business, Blessed Scents, at the Maryland Renaissance Festival. 

In the early 90s, Marilyn married Phil Bernache at St. Mark’s Lutheran Church, where they worshipped for many years. This brought Phil’s children and grandchildren into the extended family. Debrah’s marriage added granddaughter Skye. The Bernaches continued being close neighbors with Pastor Booher,  Debrah and Skye in the Brooklyn community for decades.

Marilyn is survived by many loved ones: husband Phil Bernache, sisters Jacquie Donatelli and Sandi Lakey, daughter Debrah Hunter (Vinnie Smith), son Michael Booher (Gina Cunningham), granddaughter Skye Hunter (Zach), stepdaughter Heidi Biggs (Scott, daughters Lily Serrao and Brandy Jasko and their families), and stepson Christopher Bernache (Dee, daughter Courtney). 

Donations in Marilyn’s memory may be made to the Abiding Memorial Fund of St. John Lutheran Church, at 226 Washburn Ave, Brooklyn MD 21225. 

The family will receive visitors on  Monday, November 3, 2:00-4:00 p.m. at Gonce’s Funeral Service, 4001 Ritchie Hwy, Baltimore, MD 21225 (410) 789-1800. Pastor Ellen Lichtfuss of St. John’s will officiate at a funeral service at 4:00 p.m.

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