Marilyn R. (Sponsler) McGraw, age 66, of Erie, died Friday, February 20, 2009 at home.

She was born in Erie September 1, 1942, daughter of the late Howard and Irine (Madura) Sponsler.

Marilyn was a graduate of Academy High School, earned her Batchelor’s degree at Penn State and her Master’s degree at Ohio University, and taught for 37 years in the Erie City School District. She was an avid reader, a crossword puzzle enthusiast, a supporter and advisor to many. Her love and passion in sports belonged only to Penn State and the Nittany Lions football team.

In addition to her parents she was preceded in death by one sister Patricia Anderson. She is survived by hers sons, Patrick McGraw, wife Sarah, of Kenosha, Wis., and Michael McGraw, wife Sherri, of Pittsburgh, Pa.; three sisters Jean Zeigler, husband Elmer, of Erie, Kathleen Perkins of Erie, and Nancy Biscotti, husband Joseph, of Conneaut, Ohio; her granddaughters, Jessica and Rhiannon McGraw; and many nieces and nephews.

Friends may call Tuesday 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 pm at Brugger Home for Funerals, 1595 West 38th Street. Services are there Wednesday at 11:00 a.m. with Pastor Pat Lennox of the Glenwood United Methodist Church officiating. Private burial in Laurel Hill Cemetery. Memorials may be made to the Kanzius Cancer Research Foundation Palace Business Center 915 State Street Erie, PA. 16501.