The Honorable Marilyn Heffley

The Honorable Marilyn Heffley, of Philadelphia, PA, passed away July 21, 2022.

Marilyn was born in Harrisburg and raised in Hummelstown, Pennsylvania.

She was the daughter of the late Dr. William M. and Ellen Heffley.  Marilyn was the loving sister of Gina H. Brent (Lawrence), James Heffley (Lisa), and William Heffley; adoring aunt of James Brent (Kristen), Julia Brent, Aaron Heffley, and Allison Heffley, and a caring great-aunt of Molly Brent and Caroline Brent.  She is also survived by her best friend, Jamie Denithorne, and dear friend Sharon Hall Moore, who was always by Marilyn’s side throughout her treatments.

Known for her kindness, sharp intellect, strong will, and sunny disposition, Marilyn was an achiever from an early age.  Marilyn graduated from Lower Dauphin High School in 1977.  In high school she was Vice President of student council and Homecoming Queen while starting on the varsity tennis team for three years.  From there she attended the University of Pittsburgh, where she graduated summa cum laude before graduating from Temple University James E. Beasley School of Law.  

Marilyn started her career as a law clerk at the firm of Curran, Mylotte, David, and Fitzpatrick in 1983.  She then rose to partner at Reed Smith and became chief litigation counsel for Sunoco before being appointed to the Federal Bench in 2014 as a United States Magistrate Judge.  Marilyn oversaw many complex civil litigations and according to her colleagues was an inspirational member of the legal community.  She was very active with the Federal courts committee and was a presenter of continuing legal programs.  In December of 2021, Marilyn was the recipient of the 2021 Public Interest Sections’ Pollack Award.  

Marilyn was recently appointed to a second 8-year term as a Federal Judge, which was her dream job.  She continued working until the last days of her life.  She showed incredible grace, hope and determination and was admired for her courage, dignity, and strength.

Marilyn served on the board of several charities and held a life-long love of travel, visiting many points of interest around the world.  She loved living in the city of Philadelphia and enjoyed reading and classical music. 

She will be dearly missed by all.  Relatives and friends are invited to her Visitation 9:00-11:00 AM Wednesday, July 27, 2022, at Old Pine Street Presbyterian Church, 412 Pine Street, Philadelphia, PA 19106, followed by her funeral service at 11:00 AM.  Interment private. 

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Jefferson Hospital Kimmel Cancer Center.