Marilyn Ellen Dair

Marilyn Ellen Dair, age 92, died in her home in San Juan Capistrano, CA on August 30th, 2025. Born in Beverly, Massachusetts on March 31st, 1933; to her mother, Mary Anderson Ness, and her father, Luther Webster Abbott. She was a graduate of Beverly High School, and in 1952, Marilyn married Ronald Perkins. They had two sons, Bruce and Derek. Life gave her a second marriage, and in 1969, she married William G. Dair and moved to California in 1971.

Marilyn was an avid animal advocate volunteering with Caspers Wilderness Park, animal rescue organizations, and her local zoo. Her home was a sanctuary for all animals in need. Fuzzy or feathered, shelled or scaled, she made room for them all. Outside of her animals, Marilyn loved to draw and paint – a real artist at heart. She also enjoyed traveling. Her love of animals and adventure carried her far beyond Southern California. Marilyn traveled to some of the most remarkable wild places on Earth—from Africa to the Galápagos Islands—experiences she spoke of often with awe and gratitude.

She is survived by her son Bruce Perkins and his wife Kathy; their sons, Austin, Evan, and Brian. She was preceded in death by her youngest son, Derek Perkins, but is survived by his wife Renee and their children, Jarad Perkins and Brook Schwenninger. She is also survived by eleven great grandchildren, a niece, a nephew, and many friends.

Funeral services will take place at Pacific View Memorial Park in Corona Del Mar, CA, on Saturday, September 13th at 10 am. Burial services will be private for immediate family, and the celebration of life will take place after the services. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Precious Souls Rescue Sanctuary (https://precioussoulscrs.org/making-a-donation/