Marilyn Ann Cimitile

Marilyn Ann Cimitile, 82, went home to be with the Lord on May 21, 2026. She is survived by her husband, Ralph, her daughter, Debra, her five grandchildren, along with many loving friends and extended family.

Born on March 31, 1944, Marilyn grew up in the New York City area as the eldest of two sisters to Charles and Anna Tenzler. Her father, Charles, was disciplined and honest, and her mother, Anna, was empathetic and kind. Her parents’ values would go on to shape her rules to life, or Marilyn’s three B’s: Be happy. Be kind. Be healthy.

Marilyn married her husband Ralph and lived in the New York City area for the first fifteen years of their marriage, Den Haag, The Netherlands, for four years, and then Houston for forty-one years.

Marilyn embodied femininity working as a model in New York City. She eventually found a career in retail, assembling outfits for the city’s elite. Moreover, Marilyn embodied adventure and exploration, visiting over 50 countries with her family and friends while living in Europe.

After returning to the United States, Marilyn, her husband Ralph, and three daughters eventually resettled in Houston. After losing her daughter Donna to ovarian cancer and surviving breast cancer, Marilyn comforted countless patients and families with a cup of coffee, a cookie, a listening ear, and an unwavering spirit. Over three decades and thousands of quiet conversations and simple acts of kindness, Marilyn offered comfort, hope, and humanity to all who crossed her path.

MD Anderson leadership and volunteers described her as strong-willed, outspoken, and never afraid to say exactly what was on her mind. She became a mother, sister, and dear friend to many within the volunteer community.

Marilyn eventually went on to volunteer for numerous Houston-area organizations, bringing light and hope to those without. This stayed true in her relationships with her five grandchildren as well. From Quiz Bowl matches to volleyball games, and catechisms to opera performances, she enjoyed spending quality time with and consistently showing up for them. Beyond that, Marilyn was the quintessential hostess. Some of her grandchildren’s favorite childhood memories include her famous Easter Egg Hunt, Gingerbread House Decoration competition, and famous Christmas Eve Dinners.

Her selflessness and honesty shaped the lives of her children and grandchildren alike. For her daughter, Debra, Marilyn was more than a mother. She was her best friend. Marilyn was a woman of faith and will be remembered as an exceptional mother, grandmother, and friend.

A private, invite-only memorial service to honor Marilyn's remarkable life will be held in late July, at the Co-Cathedral of the Sacred Heart in Houston with a luncheon with family and friends following. Additionally, her daughter started a research grant in her honor at Methodist Hospital to fight against bile duct cancer. Marilyn would want her family and friends to carry on her legacy through their deeds and actions. A good rule of thumb would be to follow her three Bs: Be happy. Be kind. Be healthy.