Life Story for Marlyn Margaret Connolly
Marlyn Margaret Connolly (Fox) passed away peacefully on May 12, 2019, at her home surrounded by her family, in Hood River, Oregon. She was 80 years of age.
Marlyn was born on April 5, 1939 in Coventry, England to Hugh and Lucy Fox, who were recipients of the Papal Award and the Benemerenti Medal. She had one younger brother, Daryl. She attended Saint Mary’s Parish School and later Saint Anthony’s Convent School, where she made many lifelong friends.
She met her future husband, Gerald, while both were cast members in a parish play called The Cure for Love. The two were married on June 9, 1962. Their first child, Magdalen, was born a year later in 1963, followed by Joseph in 1966. Marlyn and Gerald, with two kids in tow, left England by boat in 1968, settling in Indianapolis, IN for work. Soon thereafter, in 1969 son Daniel was born, followed by Dominic in 1971 and Mathew in 1973.
Always up for adventure, they followed Gerald’s brother Leo and his family in 1978 to Santa Barbara, CA. There Marlyn completed her certificate to teach Spanish. In the summer of 1987 Marlyn, Gerald and the three youngest boys decided it was time for a change of scenery and moved to the Seattle, WA area, where they lived for 28 years. Because the State of Washington did not recognize her English teaching degree, at the age of 54, Marlyn obtained her American citizenship and a Washington teaching degree. She then taught middle school English for several years, further increasing her love of languages, including Latin.
In 2015 Marlyn, Gerald and Dan moved to Hood River, OR on another adventure to spend time with Magdalen and her husband, Wes. In Hood River, they built a new house and enjoyed happy days sunning in the garden, watching hummingbirds, and growing flowers. Marlyn enjoyed sitting on the porch listening to her fountain and to Dan’s gifted guitar playing.
Marlyn was an avid reader, dreamer, and adventurer, full of strength and determination. She loved learning, enjoyed other cultures and languages, and was always up for a game of Scrabble. She would engage any and all in debate or lively conversation. She was fun loving and had a song for every occasion, enough that her kids believed she made them up to suit the moment. With their strong faith, values and moral determination, Marlyn and Gerald created a tightly-knit family full of love, compassion and encouragement.
Marlyn is survived by her brother Daryl; her husband Gerald; their daughter Magdalen (Wes); sons Joseph (Maiz), Daniel, Dominic (Sonya), and Mathew (Marie); and grandchildren Chloe, Diego, Ruben, Jack, Julio, Lucy, James and Anne.
Words cannot begin to describe the love, happiness and many other qualities that Marlyn brought to her family and the world around her. She truly was a selfless woman and a loving Wife, Mother, and Nana. She will be deeply missed by family, friends, and those that knew her.
Arrangements are under the direction of Anderson's Tribute Center (Funerals • Receptions • Cremations) 1401 Belmont Avenue, Hood River, Oregon 97031.
Visit www.AndersonsTributeCenter.com to leave a note of condolence for the family.
Marlyn was born on April 5, 1939 in Coventry, England to Hugh and Lucy Fox, who were recipients of the Papal Award and the Benemerenti Medal. She had one younger brother, Daryl. She attended Saint Mary’s Parish School and later Saint Anthony’s Convent School, where she made many lifelong friends.
She met her future husband, Gerald, while both were cast members in a parish play called The Cure for Love. The two were married on June 9, 1962. Their first child, Magdalen, was born a year later in 1963, followed by Joseph in 1966. Marlyn and Gerald, with two kids in tow, left England by boat in 1968, settling in Indianapolis, IN for work. Soon thereafter, in 1969 son Daniel was born, followed by Dominic in 1971 and Mathew in 1973.
Always up for adventure, they followed Gerald’s brother Leo and his family in 1978 to Santa Barbara, CA. There Marlyn completed her certificate to teach Spanish. In the summer of 1987 Marlyn, Gerald and the three youngest boys decided it was time for a change of scenery and moved to the Seattle, WA area, where they lived for 28 years. Because the State of Washington did not recognize her English teaching degree, at the age of 54, Marlyn obtained her American citizenship and a Washington teaching degree. She then taught middle school English for several years, further increasing her love of languages, including Latin.
In 2015 Marlyn, Gerald and Dan moved to Hood River, OR on another adventure to spend time with Magdalen and her husband, Wes. In Hood River, they built a new house and enjoyed happy days sunning in the garden, watching hummingbirds, and growing flowers. Marlyn enjoyed sitting on the porch listening to her fountain and to Dan’s gifted guitar playing.
Marlyn was an avid reader, dreamer, and adventurer, full of strength and determination. She loved learning, enjoyed other cultures and languages, and was always up for a game of Scrabble. She would engage any and all in debate or lively conversation. She was fun loving and had a song for every occasion, enough that her kids believed she made them up to suit the moment. With their strong faith, values and moral determination, Marlyn and Gerald created a tightly-knit family full of love, compassion and encouragement.
Marlyn is survived by her brother Daryl; her husband Gerald; their daughter Magdalen (Wes); sons Joseph (Maiz), Daniel, Dominic (Sonya), and Mathew (Marie); and grandchildren Chloe, Diego, Ruben, Jack, Julio, Lucy, James and Anne.
Words cannot begin to describe the love, happiness and many other qualities that Marlyn brought to her family and the world around her. She truly was a selfless woman and a loving Wife, Mother, and Nana. She will be deeply missed by family, friends, and those that knew her.
Arrangements are under the direction of Anderson's Tribute Center (Funerals • Receptions • Cremations) 1401 Belmont Avenue, Hood River, Oregon 97031.
Visit www.AndersonsTributeCenter.com to leave a note of condolence for the family.