Marilyn Jines Truesdale

Marilyn was a devoted wife to Harry, a loving mother to Pam, Kathy, Teresa, and Steve, and a caring grandmother and great-grandmother to her beautiful clan of 10 grandchildren and 4 great-grandchildren. Her family was her pride and joy, and she poured her heart into each of them. 

Marilyn and Harry shared a remarkable partnership. She truly was made to be a military officer’s wife and was such an incredible asset to Harry’s military career. She carried herself with grace, strength, and poise. Evening activities often found her dining and dancing at the Officers Club with Harry — and she was always a beautiful date. She also enjoyed participating in the group officially known as the “Wives Club,” where she formed lasting friendships. Playing Bridge and Mahjong were among her favorite activities, and she treasured those times of laughter and camaraderie.

 While Harry saved newspaper articles for everyone, Marilyn’s love language looked a little different. It might come in the form of a tasteful outfit or a beautiful home décor item from a perfectly timed sale at Macy’s. She could find a deal like no one else. She had an eye for beauty and took great joy in sharing it with the people she loved. 

Marilyn was an amazing cook and brought many wonderful recipes to her table from her Indiana background. No one left her home hungry. In fact, she made everyone feel welcome there — there was often a visitor enjoying a delicious meal or even just coffee at the kitchen table. Her home was a place of warmth, comfort, and belonging. 

She loved flowers — their beauty, their color, and the life they brought into a room. She loved her siblings and her extended family in Indiana, and she carried those roots with her wherever life and the military took her family. 

Like her husband, Marilyn loved the parish of St. Thomas More. She spent many faithful years volunteering with the funeral reception group, Helping Hands. What a gift it is that they are here to support us today — just as she supported so many other families over the years. 

Marilyn always made her children feel loved and cherished. She was always on their side, no matter the issue. Her loyalty to her children was unwavering. And when the grandkids came along, Marilyn simply could not get enough of them. They brought her immeasurable joy, and she delighted in every moment she spent with them. 

After her husband passed, she missed her dear Harry tremendously. Their love endured through the years and through the separation of loss. Today, we find comfort in knowing they are reunited in God’s glory. Marilyn’s life was one of devotion — to her husband, to her children, to her grandchildren, to her friends, to her parish, and to her faith. She leaves behind a legacy of hospitality, beauty, loyalty, and love. And we are all better for having been loved by her.