Marilyn Jean (Blowers) Marino

Marilyn Jean Marino passed away peacefully on Thursday morning, April 13, 2017, at the Martin Luther Home, with loved ones by her side, one day before her 79th birthday, after a long battle with Alzheimer's disease.

She was born in Northville, NY (Fulton County), daughter of Gordon and Bessie Peters Blowers. She graduated from Northville High School in 1957. Marilyn came to Utica to further her education at the Mohawk School of Beauty Culture, and began a career as a hairdresser. It was in Utica that she met and married the love of her life, Vincent M. Marino of Utica and Clayville, on October 5th, 1963. Theirs was a blessed union of 54 years, with faith and family at its core. Vinny's career in the baking business took them to Floral Park (Nassau Co), NY and Lincoln Park, NJ, where for nearly 25 years they made many wonderful friends and were active in their communities. For a time, Marilyn owned and operated a card and gift shop in Floral Park.

Marilyn loved to beautify her surroundings with her many crafts, which she happily shared with all she knew and came in contact with. A true people person and homemaker, Marilyn was happiest in the company of her family and friends, and in helping others. She and Vinny enjoyed traveling, especially Caribbean cruises and trips to Las Vegas and to visit family in southern California.

In 1991 as they began retirement, Marilyn and Vinny returned to the area and took up residence in North Utica. They enjoyed their parish life at St. Mark's Roman Catholic Church, and the company of many longtime friends, especially Frank and Geri Voce and Vito and Norma Iuorno.

Marilyn was predeceased by her parents; a brother Gordon (Junior) Blowers and sister-in-law Denean Blowers, in-laws Catherine (Kay) and Patsy Marino; brother-in-law George Ritzel and special friend Beverly Iuorno.

Surviving Marilyn are her husband Vincent (Vinny) of Clinton; sister Bessie [Betty] Wadsworth of Ilion; brother Hiram (Sonny) Blowers and sister-in-law Alberta (Al) Blowers of Wells, NY; sister-in-law Phyllis Ritzel of Utica; aunts Vita Marino, Rose Pastorella, Rose Battaglia and Bernice Caruso; nieces, nephews, cousins, goddaughter Jennifer Martin Hanmer and many dear friends.

The family would like to thank the wonderful staff of Maple View at the Martin Luther Home, for their kind and compassionate care. Special thanks go to dear friend Bethany Papale, a true angel among us, who cared for Marilyn and Vinny with love and respect.

Those wishing to memorialize Marilyn are welcome to make a donation in her name to the Alzheimer's Association, or to the charity of their choice.

Marilyn's funeral mass will be held on Monday at 11:00 am in St. Mark's Church, 440 Keyes Road, N. Utica. The family will receive visitors at the conclusion of mass in church. Private entombment will be in Calvary Cemetery Mausoleum.

Service

Monday, April 17 2017