Marcia Pizoli Bates

Marcia Pizoli Bates, 65, of New Freedom, PA, passed away peacefully on July 26, 2026 at her home, surrounded by loving family.

Marcia Ann Pizoli was born on October 13, 1960 in Uniontown, Pennsylvania, the daughter of the late George Lincoln Pizoli and surviving Mary Louise (Fee) Pizoli. Throughout her life she carried a quiet strength, warmth, generosity, concern for the wellbeing of others, a prodigious work ethic, and a deep devotion to all her family that never wavered. She will be profoundly missed by all who knew and loved her.

On August 6, 1983, Marcia was united in marriage to her beloved husband and best friend, Steve. Together since Marcia’s senior year of high school in Beckley, WV, they built a life centered on love, friendship, profound mutual respect, family, humor, empathy, creativity, and appreciation for what they had been blessed with throughout an enduring partnership.

Marcia was accomplished in whatever she set out to do. With advanced degrees from both Virginia Tech and the University of Maryland she was, at various times in her career, a talented professional architect in Baltimore, a highly effective and compassionate critical care nurse in the Cardiac Surgical ICU at Johns Hopkins Hospital and for the past 11 years a highly skilled licensed Nurse Anesthetist for countless surgeries in York and Lancaster, PA.

Marcia’s greatest joy and proudest role was caring for her family. She created a home filled with comfort, kindness, and steady love, and she delighted in spending time with her children, grandchildren, siblings and a seemingly countless bounty of nieces, nephews and their families. She cherished simple pleasures—watching the sunset and wildflowers from the front porch, a great book, family beach vacations, spending time with friends, or relaxing with her awesome and eclectic musical playlists, to name but a few. She was a very talented cook and delighted in creating and trying new culinary challenges.

She is survived by her loving husband, Stephen; son Liam (Lindsay) Bates, daughter Mackenzie (Michael Bakum) Bates, two wonderful grandchildren, Miller James Bakum and Harper Ann Bates, her mother Mary Louise Pizoli, sisters Mary Ellen (Jim) Sampey, Georgene (Kevin) Conde, Laura Pizoli, Carolyn (Bill Turner) Pizoli, and brother Tom Pizoli. In addition to her father, Marcia was preceded in death by her younger sister Annie.

In keeping with Marcia’s wishes, a visitation will not be observed. In lieu of flowers, should anyone wish to participate relatives and friends are invited to make an online donation to the American Cancer Society Hope Lodge in Cheltenham, PA, to Saving Webster Dogs in Cowen, WV. or to Who Will Let the Dogs Out in Woodstock, VA.

A Celebration honoring her impactful life will be held on September 20, 2026 at Wyndridge Farms in Dallastown, PA. Details to follow.

Marcia will be remembered for so much - her gentle spirit, her generosity, her laugh and beautiful smile, her gentleness and caring way, her unwavering devotion to her family, and the warmth she brought into every home she made. Her love lives on in all who knew her.

“And I know that we will never change, ‘cause we’ve been friends through rain or shine for such a long, long time.”