Molly Bridget Whalen

Molly Whalen

Molly Bridget Whalen, of Troutville, Va., passed away on October 18, 2025, after a short illness.

She was predeceased by her parents, Robert and Carol Whalen. She is survived by her husband, Mark Wilsie; her brother, Lt. Col. (Ret.) Robert Whalen; her sister, Jeanne Frost (Ronald); and her brother, Dan Whalen (Angela).

Molly earned a Bachelor of Science degree, summa cum laude, from Rutgers University and a Master of Education degree from James Madison University. She worked as a guidance counselor for Harrisonburg City Public Schools and later as a Match Support Specialist for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Harrisonburg-Rockingham County.

Molly was deeply committed to helping others. She volunteered with the Red Cross, among other organizations,spending weeks in disaster-affected areas including Haiti, Colorado, and New Orleans. She also gave her time to Saint Francis Service Dogs in Roanoke.

As a competitive mountain biker, Molly won most of the races she participated in. She had a great love of music and dancing. She and Mark spent many weekends together camping with good friends at music festivals all along the East Coast. She also loved to travel and they made many wonderful memories in places like Spain, Portugal and especially Italy, where they often dreamed of retiring.

Molly's warmth, compassion, and joyful spirit touched everyone who knew her. Her absence leaves a profound emptiness in the hearts of those who loved her.