Marilyn Rose Quilty 1952-2026

She was born June 2, 1952, in Cleveland, the daughter of Robert and Dorothy Petrunyak Synk.

She was a 1970 graduate of Lourdes Academy in Cleveland and received an associate degree as a certified occupational therapy assistant from Cuyahoga Community College. For over 40 years she worked in various positions at Mercy Health and retired in 2015.

She was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church in Niles.

Her greatest joy was her family, especially her six grandchildren; and she rarely missed an opportunity to cheer them on in their activities.

Marilyn had a remarkable gift for brightening the world around her. She celebrated others wholeheartedly, never missing a chance to recognize a birthday, graduation, race or any milestone that brought joy to someone she loved. As a runner herself, she found happiness in encouraging others as they crossed finish lines and reached personal goals. For many years, she volunteered to read to preschool classrooms, creating memories for countless children — especially when she had the opportunity to read to her own grandchildren and their classmates. Her generous heart, joyful spirit and signature love of pink made people feel seen, celebrated and deeply loved. That is the legacy she leaves behind — a brighter world because she was in it.

Marilyn is survived by her loving and devoted husband, Dennis P. Quilty, whom she married April 19, 1975; two daughters, Melissa (Chad) Chamberlain of Niles and Erin (Denny) McGee of Lancaster, New York; six grandchildren, Ryan Bixler, Jack Bixler, Makenzie McGee, Mitchell McGee, Nicholas Chamberlain and Vincent Chamberlain; two brothers, Robert (Elaine) Synk of Athens, Georgia, and James (Pam) Synk of Orlando, Florida; and her sister, Mary (Mike) Kesock of Strongsville.

Calling hours will be 5 to 7 p.m. Wednesday, July 15, 2026, at the Holeton-Yuhasz Funeral Home in Niles. The funeral will begin at noon Thursday, July 16, 2026, at the funeral home, where family and friends may also call one hour prior to the service. Pastor Dave Conrad will officiate.

Burial will be in Niles City Cemetery.

Because Marilyn spent her life brightening the world around her — and pink was her favorite color — we invite everyone to wear pink on Thursday in her honor. Whether you are attending her funeral or simply thinking of her that day, we’d love for you to celebrate her beautiful life alongside us.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Trinity Lutheran Church.

Visit holetonyuhasz.com to view this tribute and share condolences.

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