Born Marilyn Mathews in Brooklyn, NY on May 16, 1937, “Lyn” as she was known by her childhood friends, lived a full and rewarding life. She graduated from Ft. Lauderdale High School pursuing her passion for her faith, theater, and academics while being part of the cheerleading squad, many who remained dear friends all her life. Her cheerleading continued at Drexel University where her infectious smile and vivacious personality resulted in being voted PanHellenic Queen and drawing the attention of her later to be partner in life USN Capt. Edward “Harry” Tempest as she cheered during one of his football games. Earning BS Degrees in Finance and Accounting, Marilyn graduated and married Harry on May 16, 1959 at St. John’s Episcopal Church, in Essex, NY. She spent the next 28 years traveling the country as a Navy wife while raising her two sons, Mark and Scott, all the while maintaining her passions for her faith, theater, and community service.
With children off to college, Marilyn decided to start a career and was quickly promoted up the ranks of the Department of Defense, where she installed some the first computerized database systems for military personnel management. Upon the culmination of a 20-year career with the DOD and in coordination with her husband’s retirement from the Navy, Marilyn and Harry quickly relocated to Marathon, Florida in 1996 for some of the best years of her life.
As those that knew Marilyn might assume, retirement was only the beginning of a new chapter of her life of service and passion. Marilyn was very active within the Marathon community, even running for election and winning a seat on Marathon City Council from 2006-2008. Marilyn served on many community support councils and boards throughout her 25 years in Marathon while also furthering her passion for the performing arts and her faith. Marilyn was very active with the St. Columba Episcopal Church in Marathon, serving as treasurer for 7 years and singing in the choir all the while. The Marathon Community Theatre was another passion of Marilyn’s. She served as President, Vice-president, and Secretary over the years, while performing in many productions. One of her favorites was the production “The Sound of Music” where she sang the solo Climb Every Mountain in the role of Mother Superior. In her later years at MCT, Marilyn Directed and Produced many other productions. In what spare time she had, Marilyn was an accomplished competitive Bridge player and played regularly in Marathon. She came within just a few earned points of achieving Life Master status.
Perhaps her biggest joy was as Mother to her sons Scott and Mark and Grandmother to her 4 grandchildren and loving companion to one of her rescue dogs. Her sons Mark and Scott along with grandchildren visited Marilyn and Harry often in Marathon becoming friends with the wonderful new family of neighbors and friends that Marilyn and Harry had made. They intend to keep Marilyn and Harry’s home in Marathon to continue these relationships and hope to pass the legacy on to their children.
Marilyn will be forever missed walking her rescue dog at Sombrero beach every day at daybreak. Upon returning home from the walk, Marilyn would often post a picture of the beautiful sunrise seen from her back lanai along with a short note of her appreciation for the life she had been blessed with. Marilyn’s infectious smile can almost be seen as we view the Marathon sunrise today.
Marilyn is survived by her sons Mark Tempest (Norma) of Tampa, FL and her Scott Tempest (Laura) of Lighthouse Point, Fl, granddaughters Melissa Tempest and Gracie Tempest and grandsons Ben Tempest and Kyle Tempest. She is preceded by her husband Harry.
A Celebration of Life service will be held on Saturday, August 27 at 3pm at St. Columba Episcopal Church in Marathon. A formal funeral will be held (date to be determined) at Arlington National Cemetery, Arlington, VA where she will be buried alongside her husband Harry. In lieu of flowers, please offer any donations in her name to Marathon Community Theater, 5101 Overseas Hwy, Marathon, FL 33050 or Florida Keys SPCA, 10550 Aviation Blvd., Marathon, FL 33050.
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