Marilyn Edith Hunt

In the song of life, Marilyn Edith Hunt was surely the composer. A very observant woman who would rather spend her time creating than talking, Marilyn preferred to live in a world of harmony where everything around her made sense. In fact, she depended on her sensory world to provide her with concrete data. A free spirit, Marilyn believed that actions definitely spoke for themselves. She seemed to know what fit and what didn’t fit in everything she did. Marilyn perceived that all of life’s possibilities were open to her, yet she lived with a definite sense of purpose. She was a woman who was always ready to share her creations with those around her.

Marilyn was born on April 13, 1933 at Lincoln Hospital (Bronx) in New York, New York. Her parents were Philip and Dorothy Hunt. Marilyn was raised in New York City. As a young child, Marilyn was optimistic in her outlook. She sought out the possibilities in a given situation and looked for ways to apply her creative energies. Marilyn rarely calling attention to herself, but when she did speak out, her message was clearly understood by those around her.

Early on in her family relationships, Marilyn showed that she was a tolerant and flexible person, and she got along fairly well with everyone. She was raised with four sisters. She had Pat, Gloria, Phyllis, and Helen. She was a calm and playful child who was adaptable to any situation.

As she was growing up, Marilyn developed into a person who enjoyed physically doing things, and she took pleasure in using her hands in order to create. Whether it was drawing pictures, working with building kits, or even just tapping out a rhythm to play by, Marilyn liked concrete things. Growing up, Marilyn took part in "punch" ball in the park. In her spare time she liked reading. Marilyn's memorable achievements included writing letters to the Bronx Home news. However, to Marilyn, the most fun she had was simply playing, and spending time with friends.

Early on in her school years, Marilyn showed an interest in learning, especially when it came to subjects in the arts. At times, school learning did not provide Marilyn with sufficient challenges, but being an avid reader, she could often be “lost in a book” well above her grade level. Her passion for fine arts was so keen that fellow students and even her teachers recognized it. She graduated from Walton High School in 1951. She enjoyed some courses more than others, having favorite classes and teachers. Her favorite class in high school was English. The teacher she enjoyed learning from the most was Mrs. Moran. She was senior class treasurer.

Those who didn’t know Marilyn well might not view her as being an outgoing person, those who called her their friend knew differently. Marilyn was shy and sensitive, a person who never forced her opinions and values on others. Close friends knew that her kindness was unmatched, and once you became a friend of Marilyn’s, you understood how true a friend she could be. While growing up, some of her best friends were Milderea Stone and Marion Tucci. Later in life, she became friends with Helen Silva and Vickie Quinn.

A person who was sensitive to others’ feelings, modest and tolerant, Marilyn had the ability to become completely devoted to another when that affection was returned. On July 5, 1953, Marilyn exchanged wedding vows with her life partner John Bigelow at the San Francisco, California of Civil Ceremony.

Marilyn was exceptionally sympathetic and compassionate when it came to her children. These emotional bonds made her as much playmate as parent. She gave her family unconditional love and kindness, sharing her artistic nature by turning everyday events into creative play. Marilyn was blessed with two children, John and Edward.

Marilyn found ways to enjoy what she did for a living. She worked hard and did her best to succeed every day. Her primary occupation was banker. She was employed for various banks. Marilyn tended to be a team player, doing what was necessary in order to get the job done without imposing her will on others.

Marilyn enjoyed her leisure time by taking part in various hobbies. Her favorite pursuits were cooking and reading. Marilyn was content to enjoy her hobbies alone but was also willing to share her interests with others. She was relaxed in her approach to her leisure time because she wanted to savor the present moment.

Marilyn liked sports. Marilyn was also something of a sports fan and enjoyed following her favorite events whenever she got the opportunity. Tops on her list were Yankees Baseball and Green Bay Packers Football.

Marilyn was a woman who took pride in upholding her beliefs. So it’s little wonder that she took an active role in her community. A loyal contributor, Marilyn was comfortable in the role of a team player. Politically, Marilyn was a lifelong democrat. Marilyn was able to serve her community well, thanks to her open mind and faithful commitment.

When Marilyn’s retirement finally arrived in December 1, 2009, she was well prepared. Even in retirement, Marilyn continued to stay in touch with her old friends while making plenty of new acquaintances. In these later chapters of her life, she became active in the community, feeling fulfilled with the opportunities retirement offered her and simply enjoying what she had worked so hard to attain.

Marilyn passed away on July 11, 2010 at Presbyterian Inter Community Hospital in Whittier, California. She is survived by her son John and her sister Helen. Services were held at St. Dorothy's Catholic Church in Glendora, California.

Marilyn was a good woman, a kind woman, and a practical woman who will for all time be remembered by her family and friends as being warm and deeply caring. She leaves behind her a treasury of life-long friendships and wonderful memories. Marilyn always had much to give and was able to make those connections in her life where her gifts were appreciated. Marilyn was a faithful, practical and loving person. Everyone whose life she touched will always remember Marilyn Edith Hunt.