Marjorie “Mardie” Jo Foster Strong, 78, of Gettysburg, passed away peacefully on January 31, 2026, surrounded by her family. She was born on August 18, 1947, in York, Pennsylvania, to George W. and Margaret Gross Foster. Mardie is survived by her devoted husband of 60 years, Michael J. Strong, her loving children, Amy Strong Asfa (Saied) of Harrisonburg, VA, Brian P. Strong (Andrea) of York, John D. Strong (Erin) of Pittsburgh, and her beloved grandchildren, Daniel Strong, Aileen Strong, Ryan Asfa, and Andrew Asfa.
The middle of seven children, Mardie was predeceased by brothers George and Daniel Foster and sister, Susan Foster Watson. She is survived by brothers Thomas (Tarpon Springs, FL), Kenneth (Dover, PA), and sister Patricia Foster Taylor (York), and many nieces and nephews.
Mardie attended St. Patrick’s School, graduated from York Catholic High School in 1965, and attended York College of Pennsylvania. She was an outstanding athlete and was a frequent medalist for the YWCA Swim Team. An avid basketball player, she also volunteered as a CYO basketball coach for St. Patrick’s School. She was an exceptional racquetball player and won numerous mixed doubles tournaments throughout Pennsylvania.
In her professional life, Mardie worked at the York Bank as a teller, at York Hospital as a pharmacy tech, and served as the manager and instructor at the Bob Hoffman Racquetball Center. She also served as a volunteer at Misericordia Nursing & Rehab Center in East York. Mardie retired from a 20-year career with the Diocese of Harrisburg as the financial manager at St. Joseph’s Parish in East York. Her favorite “job,” however, was being a wife and mother. She enjoyed volunteering at her children’s schools and was admired for making creative Halloween costumes and for her excellent baking skills. A wonderful hostess and party planner, Mardie was famous for her large, Norman Rockwell-like Thanksgivings and countless backyard gatherings where everyone felt welcome and loved.
In 2014, Mardie relocated to Gettysburg with her husband, where they enjoyed the area’s many attractions until illness gradually slowed her pace.
Mardie enjoyed traveling with her husband, playing bunco with her neighbors, and following the artistic and athletic achievements of her grandchildren. A self-proclaimed cruciverbalist, it was difficult to find a crossword puzzle book that she hadn’t already solved. Beautiful, athletic, and slim, Mardie had a smile that lit up the room and will be remembered for her boisterous, contagious laugh and sense of humor.
Mardie’s family would like to thank the many caregivers at WellSpan Gettysburg Hospital, who were so kind and compassionate during Mardie’s final days. Monahan Funeral Home is handling arrangements. Online condolences may be made at monahanfuneralhome.com. Following interment at Evergreen Cemetery in Gettysburg, a celebration of Mardie’s life will be held in the spring at the convenience of her widespread family. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Mardie’s memory to the James Forjan Endowment Fund at York Catholic High School or your local SPCA.