Marilyn Elizabeth Francis, 73, of Stratford lost a 2-year battle with pancreatic cancer on October 12, 2024 at St. Vincent's Medical Center in Bridgeport, CT with her loving family by her side.  Born on May 1, 1951, in Bridgeport, CT to the late Ivor "Giggs" and Helen (Stenhouse) Francis, Marilyn was a dedicated member of First Congregational Church and lifelong resident of Stratford.

Marilyn took up the sport of roller skating as a young child.  Remarkably, she progressed to become an accomplished competitive skater, winning countless ribbons, medals and trophies culminating in a national championship.

Marilyn graduated from Bunnell High School class of 1969 followed by Westchester Business College in White Plains, NY.  Only illness could force her recent retirement after a 50-year career in the property and casualty insurance business at Scott Insurance in Stratford and L.H. Brenner Insurance in New Haven, CT.

While Marilyn was dedicated to her career, she also was the dedicated full-time care giver for her late parents. Marilyn then succeeded her mother, Helen, as the "glue of the family."  She looked forward to the holidays each year when she happily hosted the extended family for meals, treats and lots of presents.  In addition to living the entirety of her life on the street named for her (Lilibeth), Marilyn's legacy and badge of honor are the generations of children, both young and old, that were blessed to call her aunt.  She meticulously celebrated birthdays, graduations, special occasions and holidays for the littles and the big kids too.

During her illness, Marilyn was closely tended to by her nephew, Stewart Jr., who selflessly traveled from PA to care for his aunt.  Marilyn was also blessed by the daily care and companionship of her neighbor and cousin, Karen.  The Francis family owes a debt of gratitude that cannot be repaid for all the sacrifices made by them to support Marilyn.

Marilyn is survived by her nephew, Stewart Francis Jr. (Bonnie) of Flinton, PA, John Francis Jr. (Lisa) of West Haven, CT, Gary Francis of CT, cousins; Karen Francis of Stratford, CT, Peter Francis of Chula Vista, California and Patty Kamens of Orange, CT, sister-in-law Jackie Francis of Bridgeport, CT and best friend of 50 years Jan Valiante of Norwalk, CT.  Extended family includes Diana Murphy Mackoul of Jacksonville, FL, Kathleen Murphy Witowski of New Port Richey, FL, Matt Murphy of  Hopkins, MN, Mike Murphy of Davie, FL, Mark Cullen (Martha) of Orange City, FL, Jan Cullen (Jim) of New Ipswich, NH, great nephews Stewart Francis III Evansburg, PA, Seth Francis Cincinnati, OH Hunter, Makayla and Maya Francis of PA, Alyssa and Brandon Francis West Haven, CT and numerous other great and great, great nieces and nephews.

The  celebration to honor Marilyn's life will be held Tuesday, October 22, 2024 at 11:30 at the First Congregational Church 2301 Main Street, Stratford, Connecticut 06615 Ph (203) 378-2644 with the Reverend Chris Hart presiding.  Interment to follow at Gate of Heaven Cemetery 1056 Daniels Farm Rd. Trumbull, Connecticut, 06611 Ph 203-742-1520

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to:
Pancreatic Cancer Action Network
ATTN: WHMW
Donation Processing Center
Po Box 5041
Boone, IA 50950-0041

To offer the family condolences please visit www.dennisanddarcy.com