Marilyn Gillen

Marilyn C. Gillen (nee Ryba), 76, of Morton, PA passed away surrounded by her loving family on March 19, 2021. Marilyn was predeceased by her devoted husband of 47 years, Hugh. She was the daughter of the late John and Ella (nee Daniels) Ryba. She was also predeceased by her much loved identical twin sister Marlene Saputelli.

Marilyn retired from Boeing Aerospace Company as an office administrator in 2005. She was one of the strongest women you would ever meet. Marilyn always tried to see the positive in things and did not dwell or complain even though she battled Mesothelioma for 9 years and was diagnosed with this horrible form of cancer only 6 months after losing her husband to the same disease. She was a fighter and fought hard until the end. She was also the ultimate caregiver; always putting others before herself. Marilyn was extremely humble but generous to a fault, especially when it came to her children and grandchildren. She had exceptional faith and was a member of OLPH church in Morton for 50 years. Her favorite things were spending time with her family, her faith, going down the shore, watching and discussing politics.

Marilyn is survived by her adoring children Jennifer (Robert) Thornton of Folsom, Kelly (Terrance) Hill of Media, her cherished grandchildren Brian and Robert Jr. (Jennifer) Thornton and Samantha Hill. Her precious great granddaughter Camryn Thornton. She was also the devoted sister of Jane Ryba of NY, Walter Ryba of NJ and Carolyn Truscello of Media.

Family and friends are invited to her 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM Visitation, Thursday, March 25, 2021, at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church 2130 Franklin Ave. Morton, PA 19070 followed by her 11:00 AM Funeral Mass. Int: SS Peter & Paul Cemetery

In lieu of flowers the family would appreciate contributions in Marilyn’s name be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105, Wounded Warrior Project, P. O. Box 758516, Topeka, KS 66675 www.woundedwarriorproject.org, Shriners Hospital for Children 3551 N. Broad St. Philadelphia, PA 19140 www.shrinershospitalfor children.org or ASPCA National Chapter, ASPCA Processing Center, P.O. Box 96929, Washington, DC 20077

Online condolences: www.donohuefuneralhome.com