Marilyn Miles

Marilyn was born on May 25, 1937, in Chicago to Mildred Becker Ross and Edward William Ross. She graduated from the University of Illinois, where only 20% of the graduates were women, with a BA in Philosophy. She then studied English, art, and education at UCLA. Marilyn started working in New York City as an advertising copywriter at West Weir & Bartel as well as at Franklin Simon and JC Penney. She also taught a course in the Art of Outdoor Sculpture for the Metropolitan Museum of Art.

Marilyn co-founded Edro Investments, a real estate and fixed asset financial management company, and Edro Real Estate, a brokerage firm. She had a deep understanding of investment markets, successfully combining her knowledge of both real estate and investing. Marilyn was passionate about the arts, educating the boards she served on about making art accessible to all, especially those with disabilities.

Marilyn belonged to many boards and organizations supporting the arts, including University of Houston Public Art, University of Houston Moores School of Music, Houston Symphony, DaCamera of Houston, Houston Grand Opera, Johnson Art Museum at Cornell, the Patrons of Prado in San Diego (she was a founding patron), University of California San Diego-Stuart Collection, San Diego Art Museum, La Jolla Music Society, and the Royal Oak Foundation (UK).

Marilyn’s biggest joy and accomplishment was raising, traveling and working with, and advocating for her children. Always the matriarch, whether in Houston, La Jolla, or Boston, Marilyn delighted in bringing her extended family together, where her laughter and smile lit up the room. Marilyn is survived by her husband of 62 years and the love of her life, Stephen Warren Miles, and her beloved children, Stephen Warren Miles Jr., Edward Ross Miles, and niece Jacqueline Foley Everett. She is predeceased by her sister, Diane Theresa Caradonna.

There will be a service celebrating her life on September 14, 2024 at 2:00 PM with a graveside service to follow at Forest Park Westheimer Funeral Home and Cemetery, located at 12800 Westheimer Rd, Houston, TX 77077. The family will receive guests starting at 1:00 PM.