Marilyn L. Dorsey

Marilyn Leonie Dorsey, 79, suddenly passed away on April 29, 2026. Marilyn was born in England to the late Reginald and Dorothy Morton Sell. To know Marilyn was to love her; she never met a stranger, only friends she hadn’t connected with yet. She loved her career and was a powerhouse executive and cornerstone of the Hampton Roads maritime labor community. Marilyn built a lasting legacy by mentoring careers and expertly staffing shipyards. Thriving under pressure, she earned deep respect and affection from the thousands of workers she supported with precision and care.

Known for her infectious, outgoing spirit, Marilyn filled her days with passion: experimenting with new recipes, taking on creative craft projects, and making a splash at the YMCA pool. She loved volunteering at Lighthouse Pointe, helping the residents at the local senior living community. Her home was a welcoming haven, always filled with love, laughter, delicious aromas, and the warmth of friendship. She cherished nothing more than ending the day with "wine time"—having a glass and heartfelt conversation with those she loved. After all, it’s 5 o’clock somewhere! Marilyn leaves behind a legacy of boundless love and a zest for life, cherished most in the time she spent with her loved ones.

Left behind to cherish her memory are her loving husband of 43 years, Michael; children, Sue (Steve), Sonia (Joseph); grandchildren, Jessica, Ryan; twin sister Kay; nephew Dave and a host of other family and friends.

Marilyn's funeral service will be held Saturday, May 16, 2026 at 11:00 at Woodlawn Funeral Home, 6329 E. Virginia Beach Blvd., Norfolk. Please visit her webpage at www.woodlawnnorfolk.com to leave a note of condolence to her family.