Marilyn Cathleen Sterett
A never ending source of inspiration and knowledge, our deeply loved Marilyn Cathleen Sterett, 95, of Palm City, Florida, joined her dear eldest son, Joseph, who passed as an infant and her husband, also Joe, on November 6, 2023.
Marilyn was born in Mount Vernon, NY on September 12, 1928 to Thomas and Helen McCormack. She met her husband, Joseph, while working at Aramco in New York City. Excited to start their new lives together, the two were married on April 25, 1953. Soon Marilyn and Joe started a family of their own, raising three children, Lynn Anne, Maureen Elizabeth and James Patrick in Harrington Park, NJ which Marilyn and Joe called home for 30 years until retiring to Pinehurst, NC, then to Palm City, FL
An avid supporter of all her children's and grandchildren's teams, events and activities, Marilyn was often seen driving a carload of kids to an event, cheering on the sidelines or stands, in the front row of a performance, helping backstage, or running a booth or table for a cause.
Everyone who knew Marilyn knew how much she loved her crafts... she was a master seamstress, an expert knitter and crocheter. Always ready to share her skills and knowledge as a troop leader with the girl scouts, a school volunteer and especially with her grandchildren. Her creative skills led her to start a successful business designing and weaving pine straw baskets that were featured in shops and boutiques throughout Southern Pines and Pinehurst, North Carolina. Many homes of family and friends are graced with her beautiful baskets and hand crocheted afghans.
Marilyn's favorite role was that of a grandparent. Mom treasured her time with her five granddaughters and loved being their Gramma, never failing to remember every birthday and milestone, keeping up with her computer skills and social media outlets to stay involved with her grandchildren's lives. We couldn't have asked for a better Mom, and will miss Mom and Gramma every day. Her memory will live on
in the hearts of all those who loved her.
Marilyn was preceded in death by her son, Joseph, her husband, Joseph, her brother, Jack and sister, Eileen. She is survived by her children, Lynn Anne Sterett (Bob Gallo), Maureen Sterett Thurston (Geoff Thurston) and James Patrick Sterett (Helen Jang-Sterett) and five granddaughters, Mary Veronica Thurston, Margaret Irene Thurston, Caroline Mohni (Thurston), Sonya Rose Sterett and Isabel Lee Sterett.
A memorial service with close family will be held on February 12, 2024 10am at the Chapel of Holy Redeemer Church in Palm City, FL, where, as her last request, our Mom asked to be "surrounded by pink and white flowers and that everyone in attendance at her funeral wear shades of pink". Her favorite local florist was A Goode Florist in Stuart, FL.
And when thy old friends welcome thee
Thy loving heart will cease to yearn.
Where laughs the little silver stream
Beside your mother's humble cot
And brightest rays of sunshine gleam
There all your grief will be forgot
(excerpt from "I'll Take You Home Again, Kathleen")