Marcia Miele died on Tuesday morning, surrounded by family at her home in Williamsport's Historic District. She was 58 and died of brain cancer.
Born in South Williamsport and raised a Mountie, Marcia attended Brown University, and returned to Williamsport after graduation to dedicate herself to her twin passions - good food and historic preservation. She helped found Preservation Williamsport and served on the Historic Architectural Review Board for nearly 30 years.
Marcia got her first taste of restaurant life while bartending at the Genetti Hotel, and, in 1977, went into business with her sister, Gloria and mother, Daisy, turning a dilapidated storefront downtown into the Court and Willow Cafe. Her soups were legendary, and the cafe quickly became the place to go for conversation, philosophy and gossip. This success led the Miele girls to open the Peter Herdic House in 1984.
A passionate lover of food, wine and a well-set table, Marcia will be missed by her many friends for her candid, sympathetic conversation and for her champagne-fueled Christmas Eve parties. Those who remembered the party the next morning, remembered Marcia, dressed in red and laughing effortlessly - the quintessential hostess. We'll all remember what made such good times possible and outrageous and fun. It was Marcia's elegant style, deft humor and contagious goodwill. Her only regrets were that the party ended so soon and that she hadn't been drinking nicer wine.
She is survived by her husband, Bob Elion; her son, Dante Miele-Elion, and by a group of friends and family too numerous to name.
A memorial will be held at 1 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 21, on the lawn at her home at 522 W. Fourth St., with an open house to follow at the Peter Herdic House. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to Preservation Williamsport or the James V. Brown Library. Marcia asked that those attending the memorial wear red.
Submitted by family.
