Marilyn Miller Oates

Marilyn was born in Milford, Massachusetts on November 5, 1930, the third daughter of the late Margaret and Raymond Miller. She grew up in Hopedale MA, with her two big sisters, Marguerite and Grace, and her younger brother Raymond (“Bing”). With boundless energy and love of life, Marilyn enjoyed summers at the family beach cottage at Humarock Beach and winters skating on Hopedale Pond. She attended St. Mary’s High School in Milford, where she excelled academically. Shortly after graduating in 1948, Marilyn accepted a job at the local electric utility, where she met a handsome former Marine named Leo (“Red”) Oates. Red made a habit of paying his utility bill in person in order to spend time with Marilyn and eventually asked her out.

Red and Marilyn were married in April 1951, and remained inseparable until Red’s passing in September 2011. Through 60 years together, they raised a family of two children, moving from Massachusetts to Minnesota, Maryland and, eventually, Virginia.

Marilyn was a devoted wife, mother and grandmother. She was also an avid golfer, an excellent card player and a tireless lover of puzzles – all traits that she passed on to her children and grandchildren. Marilyn was a 52-year parishioner at St. Bede’s Church, where she remained active in a variety of capacities over the years.

Marilyn is predeceased by her husband, Red, her two sisters, Marguerite and Grace, and her brother, Bing. She leaves behind her two children and their families: Patti Oates Martin, son-in-law Jon Martin (Williamsburg) and grandson Connor Martin (Chicago, IL); Michael Oates, daughter-in-law Pam, granddaughters Riley Norville (John), Sarah Boyd (Robert), grandson Ben Oates (Sarah), and great-grandchildren Robert J. Boyd II, Liam M. Boyd and Perry Miller Norville (all of Jacksonville, FL).

A funeral Mass and burial will be held at 12:00pm on Friday, August 8, at St. Bede’s Catholic Church, 3686 Ironbound Road in Williamsburg.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Williamsburg House of Mercy, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, or a charity of your choice.