Born on June 29, 1953 in Providence R.I., Marilyn was the beloved daughter of John Lawrence McKnight II and Eileen Rita Dillon.
Baptized and confirmed in the Catholic church, Marilyn grew up in Freeport, N.Y. She grew up spending summers and vacations with her beloved sister, Joanne, and her two loving brothers, Jack and Jimmy.
Marilyn moved to Florida in 1977, and gave birth to her two children in 1978 and 1980. An avid tennis player, Marilyn found joy both on the courts and watching grand slam tennis tournaments. But what she loved most was to host her family whenever in town and always stayed up for a late night conversation with anyone who could hang!
Once she became a grandmother, her days were then filled with the love of four grandchildren: Brianna, Kayla, Audrey and Luke. The birthday parties she threw her grandkids were legendary, as well as the very special Christmas night dinners. Grandma Marilyn is and always will be the glue to our family.
Marilyn is survived by her beloved children Julie and Ryan, who themselves always maintained an extremely close relationship with their mom. She also leaves behind numerous loving relatives and friends in both Florida and New York.
The family wishes to thank all those who gave Marilyn love and friendship as that is what mattered most to her pure and loving soul.
Her memorial service will take place Tuesday July 2, 11am at St. Gabriel’s Catholic Church in Pompano Beach.