In Memory

Marilynn Milligan (Moore)

Marilynn Milligan Moore

1944 to 2014

 

            Marilynn Milligan Moore died peacefully in her sleep on the night of February 20, 2014.  I learned of the news the next afternoon when I received an email from the pastor of my church, sent to the congregation by email.  I was saddened to learn of her passing.  I had seen her in church the previous Sunday and she was bright and cheerful, as she always was.  She is survived by her step children, Susan, Robbie, Artie, and Debra.  In the 50th Reunion Clan-O-Log, she described the past few years of her life.

 

                "As I began to write my story, I realized that the last thirteen years have been the most transforming, changing my life and bringing mostly unbelievable joy and love.  Until 1999 my life had been filled with the usual events: finishing college, earning a BA and MA in Education, starting teaching - my lifelong career, a few engagements and a long term relationship of 30 years moving from love to deep friendship, buying a house, the death of my parents and other family members, enjoying friends, and the like.

 

            "In 1999, my friend Rick died during bypass surgery.  I still have a loving close relationship with his daughter and her family. Even though we had not lived together, I missed him and was lonely.  I decided to try some dance classes at the Allegro Ballroom in Emeryville.  Soon I began taking private lessons, becoming my instructor's assistant, dancing in local Competitions performing Rumba, Cha-cha, Hustle, and Salsa.  We even went to Miami, and I was in the Finals in Cha-cha against women almost 30 years younger. I had always been somewhat shy and didn't want attention.  That all changed with dancing and competing.  I loved the lights, the applause, the judges, and showing off.  I also loved - and still do - volunteering to teach beginners, friends, groups at church, and now an 18 year old off for college who asked for a few lessons.  My favorite dance is Argentine Tango.  Dance gave me a new self confidence and changed my life.

 

            "The real transformation began in January 2005 when a man I knew from my church, Montclair Presbyterian Church, where Earl also attends, and I started dating, fell in love, lived together, and got married (my first, his second) in October 2007.  Four hundred eighty five guests attended Robert's and my wedding at First Presbyterian Church in Oakland.  We had 18 people in the Wedding Party, some of his family members and some members of our Church Choir. 

 

            "Our life together was full of joy, travelling all over, especially Hawaii, dancing - some ballroom, some Zydeco, going to concerts, keeping both houses and living together in both, doing service, singing, writing poetry, spending time with the family and friends, loving each other, etc.  He was 75 when we got married, but had the energy and stamina of someone is his 60's or even less.  He died suddenly in September, 2010 of a massive heart attack.  We didn't have a long time together - 5 1/2 years - but every day was spent with great joy, deep love, and a full life.  I am now still learning to live without his earthly presence.  My enduring gift from him is four step-children who call me Mom, 5 Grandchildren who call me Grandma, an enormous extended family - all of this for someone who was an only child.  I am forever grateful."

 



 
go to bottom 
  Post Comment

03/10/14 12:50 PM #1    

Phyllis Tarail

Marilynn was my best friend from 4th grade at Wildwood through graduation.  Unfortunately, we lost touch after high school when I left the Bay Area for college at UCSB and then never did come back to live.  We had some great fun together in high school though and I did bump into her about 20 years ago while I was visiting my sister who lived near her at the time.  I tried to re-connect via email aound the 50th reunion, but she never got back to me.  I have many fond memories of Marilynn and was saddened by her death--just before her 70th birthday, too.  I am so glad that she found someone to love with a family to miss her, as I will, too.


03/11/14 10:02 AM #2    

Karen Bianchini

Marilyn has been on my mind.  We lived on the same block and walked to and from school quite often in high school.  We loved to gossip about fellow class mates and teachers as we walked, she was a large part of my daily life during those years.  I am very glad to see that she felt so fulfilled toward the end of her life.  

Karen Bianchini


03/22/14 11:05 AM #3    

Alan Ross

3/22/2014

 

I attended Marilyn Milligan Moore's memorial service at the Montclair Presbyterian Church the evening of 3/21/2014. I anticipated there might be some of her classmates also in attendance but such was not the case.

The church was packed to overflowing with those who bore Mariyn much love and affection. She appears to have led a very service and purpose driven life and equally meaningful she seems to have found six years of great joy and fufillment with her husband Robert who she met and married at a somewhat advanced age. If she could have attended her own memorial service she would have undoubtedly been touched by the outpouring of warmth and goodwill she created in those whose life she touched. Hers was a life well lived

Alan Ross class of 62

 


03/23/14 04:35 PM #4    

Sharon Young (Stehr)

I also attended Marilyn's lovely memorial service and I was happy to be reminded that she enjoyed much love in her life from friends and family. 

Marilyn and I grew up on the same street and we shared many fun times as little girls. During these last weeks my mind has wandered back.....

Please rest in peace dear childhood friend.

Sharon Young Stehr

P.S. Alan, perhaps we've changed some in the last 50 years!


10/02/14 06:50 PM #5    

Jeff Holland (Class Of 1961)

I think of her often. Little Sis.


go to top 
  Post Comment

 




agape