Marilyn Matter Marshall was born on May 17, 1935 in Pasadena, California to Catherine Lucille “Cile” Nay and Charles Millard “Mim” Matter. She passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by her family, on December 10, 2023 at age 88.
Marilyn graduated from South Pasadena High School in 1953, and was proud to be a third-generation Pasadenian. After graduating from Occidental College, she became an elementary school teacher. She taught in Carmel, Pasadena, Germany, and later substituted in East Los Angeles. Marilyn valued making a difference in her students’ lives. She married Norman Sturgeon Marshall in 1964 and they were together for 59 years.
Marilyn enjoyed volunteering, and held leadership roles in the Pasadena Symphony Association, Assistance League of Pasadena, and AFS. She was a member of PEO, the Valley Hunt Club, National Charity League and Daughters of the American Revolution. She was also an active member of the San Marino Community Church, where she belonged to a Monday Night Bible study group for nearly 20 years.
Marilyn was a gifted artist and loved to paint, especially with oils and watercolors. She was very active and enjoyed skiing, hiking, and riding horses. She had a love for animals, and rescued many dogs throughout her life. Marilyn loved all nature and enjoyed bird watching at their second home in Big Bear Lake, where the family spent many weekends.
Marilyn is survived by her husband Norman; her brother Charles Millard Matter, Jr.; her children Scott Charles Marshall and Mary Catherine Huff (Phillip); and two grandchildren, Hillary and Tommy.
A Celebration of Life will be held at San Marino Community Church on Saturday, January 27th at 11 am with a light reception to follow. The service will be live-streamed; please contact the family for the link.
In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be given to the Music Heritage Fund of the Foundation of SMCC, 1750 Virginia Road, San Marino, CA 91108.
