We lost our beautiful sister this morning. Marilynn passed away peacefully at Siegenthaler Hospice Center, on May 25th, after a long and courageous battle with kidney disease.

     Marilynn was born on January 2, 1944. She was predeceased by her parents Bertrand and Alice Hoole, brothers, Bert Jr., Ronald, and Thomas, sister, Katherine Shepard, husband Gilles Fortier, son, Steven Fortier, and partner Wilson Gregory.

     Marilynn is survived by grandchildren, Danielle Fortier, Justin Mitchell, Chloe, and Hunter (Wilson Gregory), sister Sue (Wayne) Perry, brother Gary (Karen) Hoole, sister Gayle (Bill) Sojda, and sister-in-law Sharon Hoole, and special friend Leona.

     Marilynn worked as an aid at St Elizabeth’s Hospital and other health facilities.

While she spent most of her life living in the Utica area, the memories she shared of Indian Lake, NY, always seemed to be her favorite.

     Marilynn leaves a legacy of a loving caretaker. As a teenager, being the oldest daughter of factory workers, Marilynn was left to care for her younger brothers and sisters. It was always their needs before her own. When she became a mother she devoted her life to her son, Steven. Steven was the light of her life, when his life was cut short, Marilynn was heartbroken.

     As our sister, we would like everyone to know how special she was to our children. Our children had a special place in her heart, and she loved being a part of their lives. Just as she was like a mother to us when we were little, she was like a grandmother to our children. Rest in Peace, we love you, Marilynn!

     The family would like to thank the nurses and staff at Siegenthaler Hospice Center for their excellent care and compassion shown to Marilynn. 

     Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to Marilynn’s Memorial Mass of Christian burial on Saturday, June 8, 2024, at 9:00 a.m. at St. Joseph & St. Patrick Church, 702 Columbia St., Utica. She will be laid to rest with her beloved husband, Gilles in Calvary Cemetery in Utica.