Marilyn Bennett

Ocala - Marilyn Lee Bennett, 76, passed away July 8, 2015 after a brief illness. Marilyn was born September 3, 1938, in Pittsfield, MA, to Louis W. Marks Sr. and Margaret Celeste (Chambly) Marks.  Marilyn grew up in Pittsfield, attending local schools, then went on to New Rochelle College where she earned a Bachelor of Arts in 1960.  She married her loving husband, Robert (Bob), August 27, 1960 in Pittsfield and spend the ensuing years raising 3 children and teaching school at various levels, primarily in Barrington, RI.  Marilyn and Bob moved to Ocala (Ocala Palms) 15 years ago.

Marilyn was an avid golfer of considerable skill, enjoyed plaing all sorts of card and board games with her legions of friends, was an avid reader, and loved to travel with her soul-mate sister-in-law, Laurine, especially enjoying their trips to France.  Marilyn was an artist of exceptional talent and passion and was particularly fond of painting nature and rural scenes.  She had the honor and gratification of having a number of her paintings exhibited at her alma mater, New Rochelle College, and at other venues. Marilyn was a past president of the Ocala Palms Ladies Golf Association and attended Blessed Trinity Church.

Marilyn is survived by her loving husband, Robert; son, Robert M. Bennett of Fall River MA; daughters, Jacqueline Smith of Cincinnati, Jenifer Mullen of Ocala; brothers, Louis W. Marks (Laurine) of Ocala, John F. Marks (Jane) of Inverness FL; sister, Virginia West (Richard) of Canton OF; grandchildren, Richard and Sean Mullen of Ocala and Allie, Cara, and Elizabeth Caudill of Cincinnati; son-in-law Jeffry Caudill of Cincinnati; many nieces, nephews and in-laws; and a host of deeply saddened friends.  Marilyn was a truly loving and caring daughter, wife, sister, mother, grandmother, and friend to anyone who had the pleasure of knowing her. Words cannot express how much she will be missed.

There will be a celebration of Marilyn's life on Monday, July 27, 2015 at 11:00 am, at the Club House in Ocala Palms community in Ocala.  In lieu of flowers, please make donations to Hospice of Marion County or any charity benefiting the struggle against autism.