Marie G. (Grubisha) Wilkie

Marie G. (Grubisha) Wilkie, of West Mifflin, peacefully passed on Tuesday, May 6, 2025, at the age of 94. Marie was the devoted wife of the late William “Bill” Wilkie. She was also preceded in passing by her parent, Samuel and Gloria (Vogvodic) Grubisha, brothers, Nick (surviving Anne) and George Grubisha, and sister, Annice (late Bob) DePhillips. She is survived by her brother, Michael (Darla) Grubisha, numerous nieces and nephews, special friends, along with the Demko family, and all who loved her. 

Marie attended Geneva College in Beaver Falls, Pa and earned a Bachelor’s in Pre Medicine. She went on to Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland, OH and earned a Master’s Degree. Her first job was on the Faculty at Case Western. After leaving there, she went on to work in American hospitals in Paris, France, Geneva, Switzerland, and Brussels, Belgium.

After her time in Brussels, she worked for the United Nations World Health Organization with assignments in Cambodia and later Saigon during the Vietnam War. She managed to get on the last plane leaving Saigon before the North Vietnamese took over the city. 

She went on to Afghanistan for 2 years. This is where she met her husband, William, who was also working for the United Nations. She would go on to work in India for a short time, then Scotland for almost 2 years. After Scotland, she was assigned to work in Rhodesia, Africa (present day Zimbabwe) for 11 years. 

While in Africa, she supervised Hospitals and Healthcare Centers, which belonged to the local government. In addition to English, she learned to speak French, German, and picked up on several local languages. After her time in Africa, she returned home to the United States.

In 1980, Marie began to work at Mercy Hospital in Pittsburgh. She was hired as an Educator for the operating room and did seminars. She taught Management Development courses for 10 years. Marie was also the Editor of the OR Newsletter. 

Marie was an avid oil painter. She loved gardening, birds and especially feeding her birds. 

All service will be private. Arrangements are in the care of Alfieri Funeral Home, Inc., Wilmerding. Marie will be laid to rest at Grandview Cemetery, North Versailles with Father Stefan Djoric officiating. Please visit us at www.alfierifuneralhome.com for online condolences.   

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