Marilyn F. Koller
Marilyn F. Koller
SCARBOROUGH, Maine — Marilyn F. Koller, 79, of Scarborough, died peacefully, surrounded by her family on Friday, Feb. 10, 2017, after a dignified struggle with Alzheimer’s disease. Despite the many limitations that Alzheimer’s and macular degeneration imposed upon her, she never once complained. You would always find her wearing her slippers and with a smile.
Marilyn was born in Iron Mountain on March 24, 1937, the second of 11 children.
After finishing high school, Marilyn set aside her own educational and work aspirations to support those of her husband, John.
In addition to raising her family, she worked and volunteered in many different capacities. She particularly enjoyed and was proud of the time she spent with the American Heart Association in upstate New York.
She was a devout Catholic, spending many hours volunteering and working with youth groups, as a religious education coordinator and singing in the church choir.
Marilyn had an adventurous spirit and loved new experiences. She and John moved 19 times throughout their marriage, crossing the country from Michigan to the Pacific Northwest, to upstate New York, Louisiana, and finally to Maine.
Marilyn freely shared her infectious joy with others, frequently breaking into song, dancing, laughing, or telling a silly joke. She was a world-class shopper (especially for others), had a weakness for slot machines, and never met a sweet she didn’t like. Marilyn was a devoted mother to her children and especially enjoyed spoiling her grandchildren.
She is predeceased by her parents, Laverne and Howard Hicks; brothers, Roger and Marvin Hicks; and sister, Nancy Nault.
Marilyn is survived by her devoted husband of 61 years, John Koller of Scarborough; son, Joseph Koller and his wife Michelle of Millinocket, Maine; daughter, Kelly McDonald and husband Paul and their children; Claire and Joseph of Cape Elizabeth, Maine; sisters, Beverly Powell, Ginger Sturm, Charlotte Groeneveld; and brothers, Randy, Doug, Dale and Bruce Hicks.
The family will be forever grateful for the compassionate care that Marilyn received from the staff at Bellavita At Scarborough. They are also grateful to the staff of Beacon Hospice for their caring support.
Visiting hours will be Thursday, Feb. 16, from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m., at Hobbs Funeral Home, 230 Cottage Road, South Portland, Maine.
A Funeral Mass will held be at Saint Bartholomews Church, 8 Two Lights Road, Cape Elizabeth, on Friday, Feb. 17 at 11 a.m.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association.