Marilyn Catherine Wasilewski

Born in Patterson, New Jersey, on February 19th, 1934; Marilyn was the youngest daughter to her parents, William and Kathrine Reyngoudt. Soon after, Marilyn made clear her mission to fight for those who could not fight, care for those who went without care, and become the change she wanted to see in the world.

As early as the 1960s, she could be found with the Patterson Women' s Club working in social activism to promote human rights and equal education. This drive never left her — upon her arrival to Long Beach Island, her tenacity for community involvement and progress only grew. As an entrepreneur, she owned and operated her business, The Sampler, for more than thirty years. During that time, she served as a councilwoman and as the Mayor of Barnegat Light. In addition, Marilyn spent more than two decades as a school board member for both Long Beach Island and Southern Regional, impacting the lives of thousands of students in the local community.

Marilyn is survived by her son William (and wife Gwen); her daughter Cindy (and husband Alan); her daughter Susan; and daughter-in-law Betty Ann.

She is also survived by her grandchildren William, Lauren (great grandchildren Finley, Sloan, and Parker); Daniel (great grandchild Wells); and Max (great grandchildren Kenzie and Cleo).

She is reunited with her beloved late son, Kip, and will find eternal peace alongside her lifelong husband, Stanley Chase Wasilewski.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made to the Friends of Southern Ocean County Animal Shelter (fosocas.org/donate). Marilyn had a lifelong passion for rescuing shelter animals, and contributions in her honor will continue her legacy of compassion.

Services will be held at 11a.m. on Saturday, January 4th at St. Peter’s At The Light, in Barnegat Light.