Marlyn Ann Shugrue

Born on February 12, 1945, in Glendale, California, Marlyn was the beloved daughter of Dorothea Amanda Roskam and Everett Orlando Pershing. She was baptized on August 2, 1953, at the First Baptist Church of Burbank, a spiritual milestone that shaped her values and compassion throughout life.

Marlyn spent her early years in Southern California and remained forever a “beach girl” at heart. Summers were spent basking in the sun at Little Corona Beach in Newport during the golden days of the 1950s and '60s. She often reminisced about the early days of Disneyland, which she visited during its first opening week, and she cherished seeing the original Mickey Mouse Club live.

A proud alumna of Newport Harbor High School and Grover Cleveland High School (Class of 1963), Marlyn went on to study at Pierce College in Woodland Hills, where she joined the sorority Omega Chi Omega, served on Student Council, and met the love of her life, William “Bill” Shugrue. Their story began in 1965, and their whirlwind romance led to a lifelong partnership when they married on May 21, 1966, in Encino, California. They were married for 59 years.

As an Army wife and devoted mother, Marlyn embraced a life of travel, resilience, and leadership. From Europe to the American heartland, she made every house a home. While stationed at Fort Leonard Wood, she served as President of the Officers’ Wives Club, supporting families and building lifelong friendships.

Her professional career was distinguished and dedicated. Marlyn earned her Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Maryland University College in 1982 and went on to work in federal service at Fort Monroe, Virginia. She held key roles with the Army Career and Alumni Program (ACAP) as Transition Services Manager and later as an Information Systems Management Specialist for the Directorate of Information Management (DOIM).

Her outstanding work was recognized with multiple honors, including two Department of the Army Commander’s Awards for Civilian Service (1997 and 2005), and the Achievement Medal for Civilian Service (2004), among others. She also served with distinction as a member of the Virginia Pennisula Chamber of Commerce, where her spirit of service continued to shine.

Marlyn retired in 2010, but retirement didn’t slow her down. She was a lifelong learner, creative spirit, and adventure-seeker. She loved cruising with friends and Bill in the BMW Z3 Club, and most notably their final grand journey in 2016 to Tahiti, Australia, New Zealand, and Dubai.

Her passions were many:

• A proud member of the Daughters of the American Revolution,

• A dedicated Girl Scout leader,

• A talented crafter—she crocheted, painted, made felt ornaments, silk flowers, and lovingly repurposed quilts into stuffed animals,

• An avid scrapbooker and needlepoint artist,

• A member of the Funds and Friends Partnership (F2P) investment club.

• A fan of NASCAR, go-karts, the Indy 500, and all things fast—including their BMW Z3.

Music filled her heart. From Elvis—whom she saw in concert—to Neil Diamond, the Beach Boys, Jimmy Buffett, Kenny Chesney, and especially the Kingston Trio, Marlyn passed on her love of music to her sister, Janice, teaching her all the latest dances as children. She collected 45s, shared concert memories, and made the USC Marching Band and Traveler part of every New Year’s Day celebration with the Rose Parade.

Marlyn was preceded in death by her infant brother Leland Pershing. She is survived by her beloved husband of 59 years, William J. Shugrue; her sister Janice Pershing Among; her half-brother Thomas Pershing; stepsiblings Candice Reed, Charles Pittenger and Howard Pittenger; and her cherished children: Michele Lynn Shugrue Begor and Brett William Shugrue. She was an amazing Mother-in-law to Chris Begor and Lynn Shugrue. She was a devoted grandmother to Ryan J. Begor, David W. Begor, Eleanor B. Shugrue, and Alexander M. Shugrue.

Marlyn’s ashes will be interred with honor at Arlington National Cemetery, a fitting tribute to a woman who gave so much in service to her family, her country, and her community.

She lived fully—with grace, humor, strength, and style. Her presence will be deeply missed, but her love and spirit will forever echo in the lives she touched.

A memorial service for Marlyn will be held Monday, September 15, 2025 3:00 PM at Woody Funeral Home-Parham, 1771 North Parham Road, Richmond, VA 23229.