Marilyn (Hank) Flynn Mullins, 96, passed away at her La Jolla home on Wednesday, March 23, her daughters Pamela Flynn (Traynor) and Patricia (Tish) Flynn Tower at her side. Marilyn was preceded by husbands Cdr. Robert D. Flynn (USN Ret) and Capt. Fred F. Mullins, Jr. (USN Ret).
Marilyn was born in Des Moines, Iowa where she lived until leaving for college. Common to her generation, families faced uncertain prospects, experiencing the Depression and, sadly, World War II. It was during a vacation to San Francisco California, Marilyn met Lt. Cmdr. Robert Flynn. As a young Navy officer, Bob proposed to Marilyn after a brief courtship. They were married in San Diego in Nov. 1945. As a 22 year old Navy wife, her first overseas trip was to China when Bob was stationed on a hospital ship, the USS Repose. During his later tours of duty to the Pacific, Marilyn settled in Coronado raising their 2 young daughters.
Marilyn enjoyed a long, very successful career in banking in the Coronado branch of Union Bank. During this time she held various positions which complemented her keen mind and quick eye for financial matters. She and Bob relocated to La Jolla in 1973. Upon retiring from the bank, she continued being active and enjoyed participating in various community groups: San Diego Historical Society Tour Group, San Diego 56ers Club, Club Altura, and Social Service League of La Jolla. She took particular pride and joy as an officer (often times Treasurer). Her work with community organizations gave her an opportunity to serve others and receive the blessings of her expressions and compassion. Throughout her life in the San Diego area, Marilyn was a regular and active member of the Coronado Presbyterian and Methodist churches.
Marilyn and her family enjoyed traveling, visiting many foreign countries on all seven continents and in all 50 of the United States. National parks were of a particular interest stemming from family trips as a youth. A planned return trip to the northern Rockies in Canada, accompanied by her daughters, was her last, unrealized trip.
Robert Flynn died in 1994. Marilyn later married widower Fred Mullins, also a local Coronado banker and long-time family friend. Fred Mullins died at the age of 100 in 2020.
She is survived by daughters Pam (husband Andrew), Tish (husband Len); grandchildren Holly, Sara and Christopher Tower and several great grandchildren.
Friends eloquently describe Marilyn as “a real Lady in the classic, proper, best sense of the word.” She lived a very full, long life and will be missed. In lieu of flowers, the family respectfully requests donations be made to the Yosemite Conservancy, Native American support organizations or your favorite charity.
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