Marilyn Otis

Born Marilyn Streisand in Brooklyn, NY on July 6, 1941, she was a cheerleader at Tilden High School and received her B.A. in English from Brooklyn College. She earned a Masters in Writing from Towson State University in Baltimore, MD.

Marilyn showed her love for writing, art, and poetry. Throughout her life she was continuously creative, writing almost a dozen novels and plays, and winning several awards for fiction and playwriting. She loved painting, jewelry making, and creating wearable art for her family. She loved music as well, and had a beautiful voice.

Marilyn was an adventurer and loved to travel. After college she lived in Spain and even was an extra in a movie shot in Greece. Marilyn lived across the states in California, New York City, and Maryland. She returned to California in 2000 to help raise her two beautiful granddaughters.

Known for her lively spirit, youthful attitude, and her resiliency, Marilyn seemed never to be without her sense of humor (days before her passing she looked at us and said, "Time Flies.") She also had a strong need to contribute. A regular volunteer for PBS fundraising, Marilyn often advised that “You’ve got to give back to the community.” She was a high school English and ESL teacher, where she inspired students of all ages. She also worked as a travel agent, and eventually retired from the Baltimore County Police Department where she received much inspiration for her crime and mystery novels.

Marilyn is survived by her husband, Richard Harvey; her daughter, Laura Otis Franklin (Jack); two granddaughters, Shelby (16) and Brooke (14); her brothers Melvin Streisand (Carol); and Mark Streisand (Gale), and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins whom she loved fiercely and always prioritized keeping in touch.

Marilyn is preceded in death by her parents, Sadie and Herman (Hy) Streisand, and her second

husband William Otis.

A chapel service will be held at noon on Tuesday, April 4, at IJ Morris in Dix Hills, N.Y. She will be deeply missed by everyone who was blessed to meet her.