Marilyn (Mari) Elaine Single, 55, of La Plata, MD passed away peacefully on November 20, 2012 at her home surrounded by family. Mari was born in Columbus, Ohio on April 15, 1957 to James Richard Shanks and Marilyn Jean (Steel) Shanks.

She grew up in Winchester, Indiana and graduated from Winchester Community High School. She obtained a B.A. in Music Performance from the University of Illinois and an M.A. in Music Theory from Duquesne University.

She was married in 1985 to Andrew Michael Single, and loved her job as an instrumental music teacher. After teaching band and strings in P.G. County, she pioneered a widely-respected strings program at the elementary level in Charles County.

Mari enjoyed playing the flute and listening to music, traveling, doing anything outdoors, swimming, hiking, ice skating and spending time with family.

She is survived by her daughters Rachel Ann, Elizabeth Joan, and Tabitha Renee; sister Belinda Hull, brothers John Shanks, Steve Shanks and Dan Shanks; nieces Kristine, Julianna, Oksana, and nephews Charlie,Tim, Kevin, Ned, Joshua, Oleksa.

Family will receive friends for Mari's Life Celebration on Friday, November 23rd at 2-4 and 6-8pm at Arehart-Echols Funeral Home (211 Saint Mary's Ave. La Plata, MD 20646).

A funeral service will be held on Saturday, November 24th at 10AM at St. Thomas the Apostle Orthodox Church (4419 Leonardtown Rd. Waldorf, MD 20602). Burial will be private in Windber, PA.

A Service will also be held on Sunday, November 25, 2012 from 2 to 4 pm and from 6 to 8 pm at William Kisiel Funeral Home, 1015 Graham Avenue, Windber, PA 15963.

Mari loved flowers, but donations may be made to either the Ovarian Cancer Research Fund (ocrf.org, CFC 11154) or St. Thomas the Apostle Orthodox Church.

Arrangements provided by Arehart-Echols Funeral Home.