Marilyn Ann (Mako) Marlin, 78, of Harwich, Mass., died August 9, after a yearlong struggle with liver cancer, in Bethel Health Care Center. She had been living in Sandy Hook during her illness in the care of her daughters till just before her death. She was born on May 31, 1939, in Bridgeport, to Carmella (Savino) Mako and George Mako, the third of four children.

Her daughters, Jennifer Marlin and Jessica O'Meara her husband, Brian O'Meara, all of Sandy Hook; brothers, George Mako, Jr, of Orange and Roger M. Mako of Stratford; grandchildren, Brenden M. Peterson, Devin J. Peterson, and Lindsey M. Civitelli; and many loving nieces and nephews, survive her.

Her beloved husband of 38 years, John C. Marlin; parents, Carmella and George Mako; sister, Elizabeth Cowan; and beloved Boston terrier, predeceased her.

Ms Marlin graduated from Warren Harding High School in Bridgeport in 1957 and worked as a secretary early in her career. While working for Bridgeport Machines, she met her future husband, John C. Marlin, at a Memorial Day picnic after being set up by friends. Married August 28, 1965, the couple lived in Monroe before settling in Easton in 1969 where they raised their family. Ms Marlin was known as an amazing wife to John and mother to her daughters Jennifer and Jessica, and she relished in being a stay-at-home mom.

She enjoyed sewing, gardening, and canning. Family was always her first priority. Ms Marlin was very active in the Easton Volunteer Fire Department's women's auxiliary, the Siren Aide, serving in multiple leadership positions during the 1970s and 80s.

After taking a break to raise children, Ms Marlin worked in various positions in Easton Public Schools until accepting a full-time position at Joel Barlow High School in Redding in 1981. Initially working in the guidance department, she eventually took on the role of data processing for the school. Ms Marlin loved her job and the people she worked with. She was a dedicated and diligent professional who took considerable pride in her work. Despite her incredible work ethic, she took the time to make her co-workers laugh, cracking jokes and singing down the hall as she picked up the attendance or seeing to the needs of the staff and students. She created a welcoming atmosphere to anyone who passed through her office door. Students would often come and visit Ms Marlin knowing she was someone who would just listen with a caring heart.

Ms Marlin and her family loved vacationing in Cape Cod, where she eventually moved with her husband when she retired in 2001. During her retirement, she was active in the Harwich Cranberry Festival and volunteered at the Harwich Center on Aging where her friendly, welcoming personality brought much joy to the elderly of the Harwich community. In her free time, she spent her afternoons enjoying time with her friends and walking her beloved dog, Oliver, at Red River Beach.

A memorial service with interment is planned for Saturday, August 19, at 1 pm, at Trinity Episcopal Church, 36 Main Street, Newtown. Reception is planned immediately following the service in the Glover Community Room of Trinity Church. All are welcomed.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Bethel Visiting Nurses Association, 70 Stony Hill Road, Bethel CT 06801.

Arrangements were coordinated by Honan Funeral Home, 58 Main Street, Newtown. Contact them at 203-426-2751 with any questions regarding the memorial arrangements.