Marcia Ann (Lillis) Tome

Marcia Ann (Lillis) Tome, 63, lost her battle with breast cancer on July 12, 2025.

She was born February 17, 1962; Marcia was the fifth of eight children born to the late John C. ‘Jack’ and Mary Gene (Pyne) Lillis in Erie, PA.

She was a graduate of Strong Vincent High School, class of 1980, and went on to earn undergraduate and graduate degrees as well as certifications from Edinboro, Gannon and Duquesne Universities including a Bachelor’s Degree in Special Education, Master’s Equivalent in Educational Computing Technology, Instructional Technology Certificate, Supervisor of Curriculum and Instruction, Special Education Supervisory Paper, and Administrative Paper. Marcia’s dedication to expanding her own knowledge allowed her to excel in her lifelong work in education.

Marcia worked in the Erie School District as a regular and special education teacher, administrator, and early intervention specialist for 25 years, until cancer forced her retirement in 2022. She was a constant advocate for students, especially at-risk students with the greatest needs.  Following in her mother’s footsteps, she was a fierce supporter of teachers and contract improvements as an Executive Board member with the Erie Education Association.

Marcia had a beautiful smile that lit the room during any occasion and made everyone feel welcome.  She was a skilled Euchre player, purveyor of bountiful yearly gardens, breeder of dogs and birds, and lover of travel and adventure. She enjoyed cooking and entertaining for friends and family. Her house on South Creek Road was the center of all things FUN-campouts, bonfires, sleepovers and swimming parties. She belonged to numerous professional organizations, as well as the Erie Maennerchor and Nuova Aurora Clubs.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her brothers; John P. Lillis and Robert E. ‘Bob’ Lillis; as well as several aunts, uncles, and cousins.

Marcia will be greatly missed by her family which includes her beloved children and their families: Michael John Tome (Zoey), son; Sam; Sarah Jane Roberts (Kimarley), son Junior; and Melissa Ann Tome; daughters, Kamilah and Kimmy. Kamilah was Marcia’s 1st grandchild and always held a very special place in her heart; the father of her children Michael Martin Tome; siblings; Katherine “Kitty” Kramer, Joe Lillis, Mary Theuerkauf (twin), Dr. Terry Lillis (Dr. Eileen Yruma), and Nora Dolak (Tom); many nieces and nephews, and great nieces and nephews; aunts, Jeanne Elwell and Ellen Pyne; uncle, Bill Pyne (Judy); and many cousins from the Elwell, Guerrein, Lillis, and Pyne families.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to The Anna Shelter 1555 E 10th St, Erie, PA 16511 or Mercy Center for Women 1039 E 27th St, Erie, PA 16504

Friends may call on Thursday, July 17, 2025, from 3:00 pm to the time of service at 6:00 pm at the Edder Family Funeral Home, LLC, 309 Main St. E., Girard. 

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