Marion Elizabeth (Muhr) Redline, 97 , of Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, passed away Thursday, December 21, 2017, in Moravian Village with her beloved daughter by her side.   She was the devoted and loving wife of Charles S. Redline who died on December 18, 2001.  They spent 58 blissful years together on December 12, 2001.  Born in Bethlehem on April 18, 1920, she was the daughter of Joseph and Mary (Deutsch) Muhr, Sr. , both orphans and raised in foster homes in Austria.  Her father, a trained meat cutter in Austria, owned and successfully operated two meat markets in Bethlehem.  Her mother, at the age of 15, brought her only belongings to the United States in one basket. And, it was only one half filled.  This original basket still has a prominent spot in her daughter's home.

Marion and Charles were married on December 12, 1943 at St. Peter's Lutheran Church, Packer Ave. and Vine Street, in Bethlehem, by Dr. Corson Snyder.  They were active members of St. Peter's.  Marion sang on the Senior Choir and taught Sunday School for many years.  In 1958 they became active members of Messiah Lutheran Church, Bethlehem.

Marion graduated from Fountain Hill High School in 1938.  This was the first class to graduate from the newly built high school.  She was the faculty choice as commencement speaker.  She was elected secretary of her class every year in High School.  Later she became reunion chairman of her class.

In 1942 she was graduated from Cedar Crest College majoring in Home Economics and Science and minoring in German.  She did extensive studies at Lehigh University and Muhlenberg College.  While at Cedar Crest she enjoyed being a member of the Concert Choir.  She was elected Reunion Chairman for many years.

Marion and her husband, Charles, a pharmacist, owned and operated Redline's Drug Store at 310 West Broad Street in Bethlehem for many years.  Marion worked daily with him in operating the store.

Her professional teaching career began in 1942 at Northampton High School as a Home Economics Instructor.

Upon selling the drug store she returned to teaching in the Bethlehem Area School District for many years.  The last 10 years of her teaching were at Bethlehem Area Vocational Technical School where she taught Food Service.  She retired in 1982.  Marion loved teaching.  She was proud of her students and always appreciated the fact that they all respected her.

In 1998 Marion was presented with a plaque as a Charter member of the Legion of Loyalty to Cedar Crest College.

Marion loved her home.  She and Charles sketched it on graph paper for architect Karl Snyder.  She found much satisfaction in the personal selections of furnishings and decorations.  Together they selected all furniture and appointments.  They were both perfectionists, so they were always in harmony.  She felt their marriage was made in Heaven.  She was an avid reader until Macular Degeneration struck.  That cut down on her entertaining and many of her favorite interests and pastimes.  She did have many hobbies.  Among her favorites:  making chocolate.  She continued this in spite of her physical restraints.  It was fun to share the chocolates with family, friends and shut-ins.  During her aging process, Macular Degeneration, arthritis, and loss of balance plus additional issues, prevented and restricted her normal activities.

Earlier in life, Marion had a big secret, a secret known only to God, her husband and her two children.  At a time in years past, a small group of evil people chose to perpetuate a vicious unconscionable act.  That which they performed was egregious and it affected her health the rest of her life.

Some groups she was actively affiliated with were:  Bethlehem Area School Retirees, Messiah Christian Service Women Quilters for 25 years, Messiah Friendly Visitors and Greeter, WELCA, Women Evangelical Lutheran Church of America, Share Care, Church Women United, Messiah Prayer Chain, Cedar Crest College Auxiliary, Lehigh Valley Alumni Club of Cedar Crest College (President 3 times), Cedar Crest College Alumnae Association (President 3 times), Cedar Crest Reunion Chairman, Lehigh Valley Pharmacist Wives' Club of which she served as president 3 times and Eastern Star.  Marion was a motivator.

There were so many highlights in her life.  Many years of courting with Charles followed by 58 years of happiness and excitement were among them.  The births and successes of her  two children and the pleasures they constantly provided were so much enjoyed.  Building their home, owning their own drug store and the joy of her two grandchildren were life enriching.

Christmas holiday time was fun.  She and Charles did not exchange gifts.  Rather, they made a list of approximately 30 people who needed a bright spot in their lives.  They shopped for each one - a special personal useful gift all wrapped with a pretty bow.  Charles dressed in his Santa Suit, Marion as Mrs. Clause and daughter, Susan, drove the sleigh (car).

Marion loved people and was admired by so many.  She was always caring and generous in all respects.  Being meticulously groomed was important to her.  But her primary concern in life was the good health and happiness of her children.  Marion was generous and a gracious lady with a real sense of humor and extraordinary common sense.  Marion was so well versed in many areas.  Her stories have entertained and enlightened the lives of so many and they were fascinated at her ability of being able to write backwards as quickly as forwards.

Her care and compassion, her guidance and wisdom, her wise advice, her wonderful humor, kindness and gentleness, but most of all her love will be greatly missed and lovingly remembered by her family and friends. If you knew Marion, you remember her to always be joyful, happy and upbeat in spite of her numerous debilitating ailments Marion will forever be in our hearts and we will always cherish our beautiful memories.

Marion always appreciated and enjoyed her privacy.  Because she was raised with five brothers, privacy was at a premium. Marion had an exceptional memory.  She recalls at age four living on South New Street in Bethlehem, PA one block from Lehigh University.  At age five, the family moved to Fountain Hill where she and her five brothers grew up. She was preceded in death by 5 brothers:  Joseph Jr., Frank, Walter, John, Robert.

The word LOVE was very important to Marion.  She loved God.  She loved her husband, Charles, she loved her two children and grandchildren.  And, she loved so many friends and neighbors.  There is a special plate on her mantle with a German inscription: Lieben und geliebt zu werden ist die groste freud auf erden.  Translated: To love and be loved are the two greatest joys on earth. On her foyer wall is a large framed needlepoint poem given to her by her husband, Charles, on their 50th Wedding Anniversary: True joy is to have someone special through the years, sharing laughter, a lover, a friend.

Marion has said when she leaves this planet, she leaves with one regret, just one.  And, that is she must leave her children whom she dearly loves and cherishes.

Marion's philosophy and true belief is: Love is precious, love is priceless. Each of us needs some love in our life.  But the true fact still remains, LOVE IS FOREVER!

SURVIVORS: She is survived by two children, daughter, Susan J. Redline of Bethlehem and son Dr. Richard C. Redline of Newton, New Jersey and his wife Patricia, grandchildren Britain Redline, Portland, Oregon and Dr. Whitney Sherman, Lancaster and two great grandchildren, August and London, plus many nieces and nephews.

SERVICES: Services will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday, December 27, in The Light of Christ Lutheran Church (formerly Messiah Lutheran Church) at Easton and Worthington Avenues, Bethlehem, followed by interment in Bethlehem Memorial Park.  Family and friends may call Wednesday from 10 - 11 a.m. in the church.  Arrangements by Pearson Funeral Home, Bethlehem, PA.

CONTRIBUTIONS: In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to The Light of Christ Lutheran Church, formally Messiah Lutheran Church, Music and Worship Fund 2020 Worthington Ave. Bethlehem, PA  18017 or The Foundation Fighting Blindness, 7168 Columbia Gateway Drive, Suite 100, Columbia, MD  21046.

(This beautiful Obituary was lovingly composed by Marion, herself, a few years ago, so her beloved daughter would not have the stress, tension and anguish of having to compose it herself upon her passing. However, Susie was able to add a few tender, loving comments as well.)