Marilyn O'Leary Obituary

Marilyn J. O'Leary of Wurtsboro, a retired lunch lady for the Ellenville Central Schools, passed away peacefully on Saturday, June 14, 2025 at Garnet Health Medical Center in Middletown, NY. She was 87.
The daughter of the late Edward Semler and Mary Lockwood Semler, she was born November 4, 1937 in Stanford, Connecticut. She was the widow of James D. O'Leary who predeceased her on December 11, 2012.
Marilyn took great pride in her work at Ellenville Central Schools, where she served with warmth, kindness, and consistency. To generations of students, she was more than just a lunch lady; she was a friendly face, a steady presence, and a caring heart. Her work fed not only young bodies but also helped nourish a sense of belonging and comfort in the school community.
In addition to her career, Marilyn enjoyed selling Avon as a hobby, where she built friendships and shared her love for simple pleasures and personal care.
Marilyn was preceded by her devoted husband James D. O'Leary; her father, Edward Semler, her mother Mary Lockwood Semler; and her daughter beloved Debora White. Their memories remain forever in the hearts of those who knew and loved.
She is survived by her loving daughter, Donna Lockwood of Ephrata, WA. She also leaves behind her cherished grandchildren: Michael O'Leary and his significant other Tracey Wehrle of Dingmans Ferry, PA; Kimberly White of Maybrook, NY; Patricia Sullivan of Ephrata, WA; Bruce White Jr. of Montgomery, NY; and Rose Summers and her husband Matthew Summers of Caldwell, ID.
Her legacy continues through her great-grandchildren: Keara Black and her husband Keith Black, Yasmin White, Donovan Decker, Tristyn White, Aidan White, Donte Decker, Koltyn White, Emma Summers, Michael Summers, Octavia Brewer, Kash White, Madison Wehrle, Makenna Wehrle and Mia Wehrle.
Marilyn was also blessed to know her great-great-grandchildren: Alexander Lugardo, Isla Black, and Drew Black.
She will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by all who knew her.
Visitation will be held on Friday, June 20 from 10:00am to 12:00pm at the VanInwegen-Kenny Funeral Home, 111 Sullivan Street in Wurtsboro with a funeral service starting at 12:00 noon. Burial will follow at the Fantinekill Cemetery in Ellenville.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the Sullivan County SPCA, PO Box 995, Rock Hill, NY 12775 www.sullivanspca.org
Arrangements are under the direction of the VanInwegen-Kenny, Inc. Funeral Home of Wurtsboro. For additional information or to send an online condolence, please visit www.kennyfuneralhome.com To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Marilyn, please visit our floral store.