Marilyn Ann Szczotka

Marilyn Szczotka was born in Youngstown, Ohio on September 13, 1945 to Carl and Lillian Petrick. She spent her childhood in Youngstown, sharing many wonderful memories with her brother, Carl and sister, Katherine. In her youth, Marilyn enjoyed playing a variety of sports, such as basketball, swimming and track and field. She was musically gifted. Marilyn enjoyed playing the piano and mastered the xylophone in her high school band.

Marilyn graduated from Fitch High School in 1963. Guided by her love for teaching and physical education, Marilyn went on to earn her Bachelor of Science degree in Physical Education from Youngstown State University. Marilyn worked as a Physical Education teacher in the Placentia-Yorba Linda Unified School District for an incredible 35 years. At the time of her retirement, she received an outstanding teacher award for her exemplary dedication to education. Marilyn also achieved a Masters Degree in psychology, while working as a teacher.

Family was incredibly important to Marilyn. She cherished being a mother to her son, Nathan and grandmother to her granddaughter, Ava. Marilyn was proud of her family’s Croatian heritage and was a member of St. George Croatian Lodge 66 for over 70 years.

Marilyn loved traveling. Some of her favorite destinations to visit were Iceland, China, Hawaii, Bahamas, Atlantis, Alaska, South America, Europe, Mexico, Cancun and her home state of Ohio. She enjoyed attending social functions and was an devoted member of the Red Hat Society. Marilyn also enjoyed reading, collecting art and was an avid Lakers fan.

After fighting a brave battle against Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia, Marilyn passed away on November 27, 2025, at 80 years old. She is survived by her son Nathan, daughter in law Jennifer, granddaughter Ava, sister Katherine, nephew Jesse, sister-in-law Jaye and numerous cousins.

She will return to her hometown of Youngstown, Ohio and be laid to rest at Resurrection Cemetery, following her services. She will be greatly missed by her family, friends and numerous former students.