Marilyn Harwood

Marilyn was an avid equestrian, artist, and a loving stay-at-home mom who attended nursing school before raising her family. Marilyn’s love for horses started at an early age and her love of riding and the equestrian community shaped much of her life. At home, Marilyn took great pride in caring for her horses in her own backyard, and spent an impressive 26 years hunting with the Chagrin Valley Hunt, and was also an active member of the Chagrin Valley Trails and Riding Club. Her love for foxhunting even took her across the ocean where she hunted with the Galway Blazers in Ireland and also rode the Connemara Trail. She was a supportive “horse show mom” to her kids as young riders and created many fond memories with her family on trail rides, and continued riding until her early 60s.

Marilyn was a talented artist, and her love for horses and dogs showed in her ability to capture an animal’s personality. She also volunteered at Fieldstone Farm Therapeutic Riding Center in Bainbridge Township for a number of years, and loved working with horses and children. Marilyn was also a member of the Acacia Country Club for over three decades.

Marilyn is survived by her husband of 50 years, Wally; children Amanda Harwood (Justin) Wilcox, Joe (Katie) Harwood, and Sarah Harwood Sykes; grandchildren Emma and Matthew Wilcox, Drew Wolenski, Tyler Harwood, and Jack Sykes.

Family and friends may call at Gattozzi and Son Funeral Home, 12524 Chillicothe Rd., Chesterland on Tuesday, June 10, 2025, 5 – 8 pm. Private Interment at Western Reserve Memorial Gardens in Chester Twp.