Marilyn was born at Silverton Hospital, Feb. 21, 1949 to Arthur and Lillian Brenden. She passed away on October 26, 2020.
Marilyn graduated from Silverton Union High School in 1967. She also graduated from Oregon College of Education with a teaching degree and from Mt. Angel Seminary with a degree in Theology.
She taught Science at Mark Twain School in Silverton for many years and was always very excited to hear from former students about their lives.
Marilyn also worked for a few years advocating for the homeless community in Salem.
She lived her life guided by her devout faith in God. Over the years she was involved in various roles of service with the church community. She was active for many years with Trinity Lutheran Church in Silverton and currently was a member of the Silverton Church of the Nazarene where she attended for the last several years.
Marilyn loved her family very much and was especially proud of all her nieces and nephews and their children. She was always very thankful of being able to spend the last few years of her mother Lillian's life with her. They both enjoyed each other's company so much.
Marilyn was proceeded in death by her parents Arthur and Lillian Brenden, and her brother-in-law, Keith Erickson. She is survived by her sisters, Alena Erickson and Sheryl (Jody) Crofoot and brother, Lee Brenden (Angela). Nieces: Karen (Tom) Taylor, April Brenden Locke (David Locke), Jennifer Brenden and Tanya Brenden, Liliana (Dillon) Fennema, Maria (Forrest) Ranus. Nephew, Joel (Casaundra) Crofoot. Great-niece, Fable Mae Ranus, Great Nephews: Alec Taylor, Luke Taylor and Jamin Brenden Crofoot.
Due to COVID 19, there will be a private burial service with family members. Arrangements are by Unger Funeral Chapel. An online Memorial Service will be held at a later date.
Memorials may be given to the Silverton Church of the Nazarene (1130 S. Water St. Silverton, OR 97381) or St. Edwards Episcopal Church, Women's Homeless Shelter (211 W. Center St. Silverton, OR 97381)

Following are a few quotes tat Marilyn posted on Facebook:

"The best and most beautiful things in the world cannot be seen or even touched-they must be felt with the heart."  – Helen Keller

"All you need is love. But a little chocolate now and then doesn't hurt." – Charles M. Schultz

"Any student who has ever been in MY CLASS, will always be one of MY KIDS." – author unknown