Marilyn Mallard Kehoe

Born in Charlotte, North Carolina, she was in the first graduating class of Myers Park High School and then earned her BSED from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro.  Early in her career, she taught third grade in Northpoint, Long Island, an adventurous move for a young woman from the South in the 50’s.  During her first year of teaching she got engaged to Jack and moved to Greensboro, NC where Jack was a professor.

After several years they moved the now growing family to Athens, GA for Jack to join the UGA Art Department. Marilyn continued to share her love of learning with countless students in Athens and surrounding areas.

When Jack founded the University of Georgia’s Cortona Study Abroad Program in Cortona, Italy, Marilyn played an essential role. She often helped guide many aspects of the program and served as a warm, nurturing presence for generations of students, earning the affection of the “Cortona Family.” This love spanned thousands of alumni, students, and friends. Marilyn and Jack owned an apartment in Cortona and became deeply connected to the town’s life and culture while residing primarily in Athens. In many ways, Marilyn also served as an informal ambassador for the program, warmly welcoming students and dignitaries alike and helping them feel at home in a new country and culture.

Marilyn was known for her joyful spirit and wide range of talents and interests. She loved to sing and had a beautiful voice that often filled the rooms with music and a perfect pitch. She was an avid reader, who was deeply passionate about learning, especially history.  She delighted in sharing her rich knowledge and curiosity with those around her. She was a remarkable gardener and cultivated a beautiful and vibrant garden which served as the backdrop for many cherished gatherings and events.

A wonderful cook and natural host, Marilyn welcomed people from all walks of life to her table, where conversation, curiosity and laughter always flourished.


She also loved fashion, thrifting, and interior design, finding beauty in everything she wore and expressing her creativity through her personal style. Marilyn had a special gift for making others feel beautiful, seen, and valued—a kindness she carried with her throughout life.

Marilyn was also a member of the Rabun Gap-Nacoochee School Alumni Society, the Society of the Classic City, the Athens Garden Club, and the St. Mary’s Cancer Auxiliary. The family wishes to give sincere thanks to all staff and her many friends at The Orchard, for making her so happy and a special blessing to St. Mary’s for making her passing so peaceful.

Marilyn is survived by her four children, Moira, Danny (Colleen), Christopher, and Martha; eight grandchildren; her siblings, Lynwood Mallard and Ann Fielding; and special dear friend of the family, Margaret Anne Stephens. Marilyn was predeceased by her husband, John “Jack” Kehoe; her brother, William “Billy” Mallard; and grandson, Matheson “Matt” Finney.

Funeral services will be held Friday, March 20, at 11:00 a.m., at the UGA Catholic Center, followed by a reception.

The family will receive friends Thursday, March 19, from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., at Bernstein Funeral Home.

In lieu of flowers, donations to the John and Marilyn Kehoe Cortona Scholarship Fund would make a significant impact on a young artist’s life. Contact the UGA Cortona Office at 706-542-7120 or [email protected] for more information.

Bernstein Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.