Marilyn Ann Marshick

Marilyn Ann Marshick was born in St. Petersburg, Florida on Flag Day 1939 – June 16th to parents Herbert (Sport) and Virginia (Mabel). She was the middle child of siblings Jean (deceased now) and younger brother John. Though no one ever called her “Mom,” there were thousands of lucky students who called her “Coach," Monday through Friday. For 5 years she taught Physical Education at Meadowlawn Middle School, and then at the new high school - Lakewood for the next 25 years. Marilyn retired from Pinellas School District at age 51 to take care of her mother who was being treated for cancer. Her father had died prior to this time. 

At age 15 she was recruited to play on an all-women’s fast-pitch softball team in which her sister and a professor from her alma mater FL State University taught P.E. already played. The team, sponsored by R.H. Hall, traveled the country to compete. Marilyn was the youngest, yet was the pitcher, short stop, and 3rd up to bat (with an average of .52). Those were extremely important and happy years for her. After that, she was content to stay home and focus on teaching. Travel was behind her, except for family camping trips or to visit her ex-student and friend Louise every time she moved to another place. 

Anyone who met Marilyn would remark on how pretty, how kind, funny, and generous she was. Her ukulele accompanying her sweet voice was joyful. Even near the end of her days she appreciated others’ support and would reach in her empty pockets for money to say “thanks.” She was a fiercely loyal friend, never throwing out a picture or card or letter! Life has a way of altering plans. Her last residence was Arden Court, a memory care facility in Seminole, Florida. Dementia was the disease that struck her out. Diagnosed in 2009, it robbed her of the security and peace of mind she’d known. Little by little she lost the present day or moment but mostly maintained her sense of humor and thankfulness. 

Marilyn is survived by her brother John and wife Betty, and their son Tim. Austin, (Tim’s son) and wife Kate. In addition, Cousin Linda Kempf lives in Wisconsin. 

In Lieu of flowers in remembrance of Marilyn – send them to someone in your life who deserves to be told again that she or he is loved. One never knows when we will leave this earth. If you are so inclined, donate to an animal charity. Marilyn always had a cat (with names starting with a “B”) and gave consistently to support the strays