MaryBeth (Pulizzi) Tilburg

When MaryBeth Pulizzi Tilburg would greet someone, whether an old acquaintance or a new friend, she’d usually give fair warning. "I’m a hugger," she’d say. And then she’d step forward, wrap her arms around whomever was fortunate enough to be on the receiving end of her warm embrace, and in that way she would say hello. And goodbye.

MaryBeth was a shining, beautiful soul. Unexpectedly, she died on Saturday, May 21, a few months shy of her 61st birthday.

She’ll be remembered for many reasons. Certainly no one will ever forget her marvelous sense of humor. MaryBeth loved to laugh, loudly and often, and she had a great gift for making others laugh. In general, she liked to make people feel good about themselves, no matter their circumstances. For years, without the slightest fanfare, she happily cut and styled the hair of hospice patients, a practice that perfectly exemplified her giving, outgoing nature. She enjoyed talking to those patients, loved listening to their stories and brightening their days. In turn, those and countless similarly cheerful interactions with friends, family members and passing acquaintances brightened her own days. MaryBeth wasn’t always happy, but she was loath to darken anyone else’s mood when she was sad or displeased. Above all, she was considerate and kind.

She liked playing cards—Uno, setback and rummy. She enjoyed chatting with clients and co-workers while working for most of her adult life as a professional hair stylist. She called her mother every day and loved spending time with her three grandchildren. Steadfastly she avoided arguments, and strove instead for peace and harmony in her life. She favored the color purple except when it came to football, in which case she only cared for black and gold, the colors of her beloved Steelers. She was a luminous, unforgettable presence in this world, and most everything she did was touched with a warmth and sweetness all her own. She will be sorely missed by everyone who knew and loved her.

MaryBeth is survived by her mother, Charline Pulizzi; four brothers Joe (Paula), Mike, Mark (Cheryl), and David Pulizzi; a sister Rosie Lautarbeck (Stan); two daughters Jillian Wingrove and Liz Fink (Mitchell); step son Josh Wagner (Jeneane); step daughter Brittany Fischer (Jason); grandsons Dustin and MJ; a granddaughter Wren; step grandsons Liam and Jayden; step granddaughters Ava and Ella; several nieces, nephews, extended family and her faithful cocker spaniel Friend.

A memorial service to honor the life of MaryBeth will be held 11 a.m. Wednesday, May 25 at Sanders Mortuary, 821 Diamond St., Williamsport. The family will receive friends from 10 a.m. until the time of service on Wednesday at Sanders.

Memorial contributions may be made in MaryBeth’s name to the Susquehanna Health Foundation c/o the Gatehouse, 1001 Grampian Blvd., Williamsport, PA 17701.
 

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