Marilyn Nield

Marilyn Nield, very nearly 86, departed early on New Year's Day, 2022, with her devoted husband of 62 years at her side, after an almost eleven year valiant struggle with the effects of a massive stroke. She was born on February 15th, 1936, to the late Gwen A. Marriott and Commander Victor Eugene Marriott, U.S. Navy; and traveled and attended schools in many other places around the country, accompanying her Dad to all his duty stations. On her father's retirement,, the family settled in San Diego, where Marilyn completed high school and graduated from San Diego State College with a degree in Education. She taught first grade in El Cajon, California until, after her marriage to then- Ensign Van King Nield, USN (USNA '59), they moved to various other places in California, including San Francisco, Long Beach, Vallejo, Coronado and Monterey, in many of which she taught as a substitute.

Marilyn and Van had met on October 14th, 1959, at an evening social at the Officers' Club in San Diego, fell instantly in love, were married two months later on December 26th, and- excepting Van's several long deployments,- until now, never parted. In the fall of 1970, they, and their two sons, Steven Clark Nield and Harry KIng Nield III, drove, camping along the way, to Annapolis, where they have remained. In 1971,

Marilyn joined the staff of the Naval Academy Primary School (NAPS), teaching, at first, kindergarten, and later, pre-school, for a total of 37 years, being among the most dedicated, best, and creative teachers ever there. Marilyn thoroughly enjoyed gardening, was a superb cook of many different cuisines, and often sailed on the Bay aboard their schooner MARILYN. The stroke hit her on the evening of February 16th, 2011, severely disabling her; but she determinedly managed the very best she could, which was considerable.

Marilyn is survived by her loving husband Van, sons Steven and Harry, respective daughters in law Kelly Keating and Janette Nield, and her many fond friends and NAPS colleagues. Her sister, Geraldine Miller, predeceased her.

Following cremation, awaiting spring weather, there will be a Life Celebration and Inurnment at the Naval Academy Columbarium, which will be announced in ample time.