Marilyn Theresa Smith Lilly

Born in West Winfield on Oct. 9, 1939, to Thomas W. and Marion Smith, Marilyn was an only child and spent her youth in West Winfield growing up in one house her entire life before her military spouse life began, moving her 22 times. She was a graduate of West Winfield High School, where she was known as “Smiley” for her continuous smile. Her high school remarks read “future teacher of America.”

She graduated from the College of Saint Rose in Albany where she received the Bishops Scholarship and earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in Early Childhood Education. She would often reminisce about studying in her closet after-hours, hiding from the nuns.

Her teaching career began at the young age of 21 at St. Henry’s School in Averill Park, where she met her future mother-in-law, Anne McCarthy Lilly, who was also teaching there. This introduction led to her meeting her husband, who was then a student at St. Michael’s College in Vermont. They married in St. Joseph’s Church in West Winfield Aug. 17, 1963, while Bob was still in school. They welcomed their first child, Robert T., in Vermont a year later.

Following Bob’s graduation, the young family embraced military life. They lived in Selma, Alabama, and Biloxi, Mississippi, where they welcomed their second child, Anne, before being assigned to Suffolk County AFB on Long Island. Bob was then reassigned to Saigon, Vietnam for a year, during which time Marilyn returned to her hometown with her two small children.

Upon Bob’s return, their journey continued with the United States Air Force, resulting in 22 moves across the country and abroad. Their assignments included Oklahoma City, where son Thomas was born; Manassas, VA while Bob was assigned to the Defense Intelligence Agency at the Pentagon, where daughter Catherine was born; Zweibrcken, Germany, where son Patrick was born; Great Falls, Montana; two assignments in Omaha, Nebraska, and Cheyenne, Wyoming.

Marilyn taught in many schools, even though moving every two years made that more of a challenge. She was a teacher at St. Francis Cabrini and Christ the King in Omaha, Nebraska and Sacred Heart School in Norfolk, Nebraska to mention a few. She was a wonderful kindergarten teacher who would often dress up as Mother Goose. She was known for having “Little Bear” in her pocket who would come out if everyone was quiet.

Marilyn was a devoted wife, mother and educator whose life was shaped by the demands and adventures of military life. As a commander’s wife, Marilyn baked cookies for all of the squadron members of Bob’s squadrons on their birthdays, something they still speak about to this day. Her home was always open, there was always room at the table and she welcomed everyone. As her kids and grandkids grew, she had an apothecary cabinet and the drawers would be filled with small items that reminded Marilyn of whoever’s name was on the outside of the drawer. Even the kid’s friends had a drawer, a special memory for so many. If she was out and saw a sticker or toy and thought of you, it went in the drawer, everyone rushed to their drawer when they were over at her home. This tradition will be continued by daughter Catherine.

Most nights, the house was full and Marilyn would play the piano. Marilyn had an amazing singing voice and played the piano her entire life, often singing for family and friends. In her younger years, she sang in church and her father would always have her “perform” when guests came over. She was known for her infectious laughter, her passion for antiquing and treasure hunting, and her unwavering support for her family and friends.

Bob and Marilyn spent much time in their retirement sailing on Lake Champlain on their boat the “After 5.” She loved sailing with her “sailor” and the two spent many days and nights on the boat. They sometimes even waited until after 5 for their evening cocktails.

Marilyn’s happy places were the pubs owned by her son-in-law Chris and daughter Catherine. The staff at these Lake Placid breweries will always remember the fun, the laughs and the many memories they have of “their Marilyn” who made crafts for the gift shop and helped decorate for all of the holidays.

When daughter Catherine asked many years ago what Marilyn would like on her headstone one day, her response was “I’ve had a wonderful time.” And that she did, as did everyone who was in her presence.

She is now with her beloved daughter Anne, whom she missed terribly. They are probably laughing the unique laugh they shared together, and getting into a little trouble.

Marilyn is survived by her husband of 62 years, Colonel Robert C. Lilly; her children, Robert Lilly, Thomas Lilly (Jean), Catherine Lilly Ericson (Christopher), and Patrick Lilly; her grandchildren, Rob Lilly, Ryan Lilly, Nicholas Bayruns (Shauna), Robert Bayruns (Sarah), TJ Lilly, Kate Lilly, Grace Ericson, and CJ Ericson; one great-grandson, Brett Bayruns: and many in-laws, cousins and friends.

Marilyn was predeceased by her parents and two daughters, Anne Lilly Bayruns and Mary Lilly.

The family would like to thank the staff at Elderwood and the Newcomb Volunteer Ambulance Squad for everything they did for Marilyn over the years.

A memorial mass will be held at St. Agnes Catholic Church in Lake Placid on Saturday, Jan. 11 at 11 a.m. A reception will immediately follow at RiverTrail Brewery in Saranac Lake.