Marilyn Eugenie Olen

Marilyn Eugenie Mizell Olen, age 98, passed away peacefully in Denver, CO, on March 11, 2025.

Marilyn was a lover of life, with an unquenchable thirst for travel and adventure. She began her career as a professional ballroom dancer at age 19 and continued dancing until her retirement at 85. She traveled to Cuba to attend the University of Havana, where she studied Spanish and Latin dance. Upon returning to Cleveland, OH, she met and married Robert H. Olen at age 29.

Marilyn had two children, David Leo Olen and Roberta Eugenie Olen Farley, and one beloved granddaughter, Rachel Leigh Farley.

Her friends describe her as a force of nature. Marilyn had a lifelong passion for natural healing and yoga. In addition to dancing, she taught exercise classes on cruise ships, at country clubs, and resorts. She was a major athlete, and her favorite activities included tennis, triathlons, rollerblading, and ice skating.

Marilyn was an avid hiker and proudly climbed 14 of Colorado’s 14ers before summiting Mount Kilimanjaro at age 78. She was a dedicated skier with season passes to slopes in Colorado, Utah, Idaho, France, Switzerland, and even went heli-skiing in Canada.

A decorated athlete, she was a Senior Olympic gold medalist in the summer and winter games from ages 65 to 89.

Funeral services will take place at Horan & McConaty Funeral Home at 1091 S Colorado Blvd, Denver, CO 80246 on June 4th at 2p.