Marilyn Cecilia Collins, 81, most recently of Salem, MA passed away at the Kaplan Family Hospice House in Danvers on the morning of Monday, June 17, 2024, of complications from acute gallstone pancreatitis.

Marilyn was born on July 15, 1942, in Yonkers, NY, the second child of Cecilia Mary Teresa Monahan Collins and W. Kenneth Collins. Her older brother was also W. Kenneth Collins. She was baptized and confirmed at the Church of St. John the Baptist in Yonkers, NY. Later in her life she pursued spiritual practice more in tune with her love of the natural world and her belief in the divinity of all life.

Marilyn spent her last years happily solo and independent. Earlier in her life she had three significant relationships. She was first married to Gordon Mortlock of Mount Vernon, NY in October 1961. She was subsequently married to Jonathan Warner of Salisbury, CT in July 1979. Her third relationship was with Allyan Rivera currently of Burlington, VT.

After graduating from Sacred Heart High School in Yonkers, NY, in 1960 she began working in an administrative capacity and quickly transitioned to a career in professional writing. She wrote advertising copy for several businesses and agencies, notably: Cosmopolitan Magazine, the Barth-Spencer Corporation, and the Hearst Magazine Group, as well as others.

In her early 40s, Marilyn received a B.A. Cum Laude in Psychology from the University of Hartford (1983) and a Master of Clinical Social Work from Smith College (1985). She then worked steadily as a psychotherapist at healthcare agencies such as: North Central Connecticut Mental Health Services, the North Suffolk Center, Catholic Charities, the South Brookhaven Health Center, the Sunrise Psychiatric Clinic, and Children & Family Mental Health Services until her retirement. She touched many lives and helped many people in this capacity.

Throughout her life, Marilyn used her facility with words to write poetry, memories, stories, studies, lectures, curriculum, and more. Articulating for herself and others the flow of life and drawing out deep insights for consideration. In one piece, she could make you laugh aloud and then tear up from a profound observation.

Marilyn was a highly intelligent, well read, and inquisitive person. She was especially fascinated by the lives and interests of others. She made friends readily and widely, teasing anecdotes and life stories from both long-time friends and recent acquaintances. She was also kind and generous, freely sharing what she had with others in need.

Marilyn loved nature, particularly the seashore. She lived close to or on the coast most of her life and enjoyed time at the beach and the opportunity to get out on the water. She also loved to travel and enjoyed several trips to Europe and parts of the USA.

Some personal observations from her granddaughter:

• She was an animal lover and cultivated close connections with her pet friends. She loved birds (especially), cats, and small dogs, and they loved her.

• She was an avid reader. She loved to learn and read voraciously her entire life. She made sure to stay up on current events.

• She wanted a world of peace and acceptance.

• She was a colorful, quirky dresser and loved a pair of sparkly shoes.

• She loved good food and had a sweet tooth; raspberry sherbert was one of her favorite treats.

• She admired the natural world and loved talking about her travels.

• She was a feisty card player, especially at Canasta.

• She was an endlessly silly, playful person, who always cracked a joke or made keen, humorous observations.

Marilyn is survived by her former partner Allyan Rivera; her sister-in-law Arlene Collins of Stamford, CT; her children: daughter Robin Taliesin and her wife Marianne Murphy of Marblehead, MA, and son John Mortlock of San Francisco, CA; her grandchildren: Julia Taliesin of Brighton, MA, and Benjamin Taliesin of Cambridge, MA; as well as beloved nieces, nephews, and friends.

She was predeceased by her husbands Gordon Mortlock (August 2022) and Jonathan Warner (February 2010). Her brother W. Kenneth Collins (December 1991) and other extended family members and friends who were cherished and missed.

Marilyn was a beloved family member and friend of many; a playful, creative soul who celebrated life. She will be missed. There will be a Celebration of Life Memorial Gathering on Sunday, July 21, 2024, from 2:00 to 5:00 pm in the function room at Forest River Park, 32 Clifton Avenue, Salem, MA, 01970 (park in the lot for Pioneer Village and walk the path towards the pool, gathering space is in the building beyond the pool, look for a bunch of balloons to mark the spot). Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend. Final disposition will be held privately. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Kaplan Family Hospice House, 78 Liberty Street, Danvers, MA, 01923 (giving.caredimensions.org) or plant a tree in her honor.