Marilyn F. Reynolds, a daughter of the late James and Anne Reynolds, was born on April 10, 1943. On March 12, 2023, she peacefully entered into rest at home surrounded by her loving family. Marilyn’s devoted family includes her two children, Philip Fioretti III and Lisa Fioretti (Kelly) Stockwell, both of Branford; four devoted sisters, Joan (Charles) Gill of Litchfield, Elizabeth (Bob) DeBerry of West Haven, Eleanor Reynolds, and Regina (Charles) Lewis, all of Branford; her precious grandchildren, Sophia Fioretti, Philip Fioretti IV, Lily Stockwell, Rose Stockwell, and Jack Stockwell. Her nieces and nephews, Charles (Linda) Gill, James (Raffaella) Gill, Keely (Brian) Dunleavy, and Kasey (Ben) Luce; grandnieces and nephews Annie and Jeanie Dunleavy, James, Caroline, and Patrick Luce; India, Ella, Leila, and Julius Gill; and her granddog, Curley, all of whom were a major part of her life, will also truly miss her.

Marilyn graduated from St. Lawrence Grammar School and West Haven High School. She continued to maintain a relationship with her grade school friends, Ellen Wright, Doreen Gallagher, and Gari Glennon, who are her honorary sisters. They would get together often to play their favorite game of Rummikub.

Upon graduation from high school, Marilyn joined the work force. She held various positions ranging from manager of Vermont’s Mount Snow Lodge food service to manager of the once famous Beefsteak Tavern in Branford and Piccadilly Square in Westville. Ultimately, she retired from Easter Seals-Goodwill Industries as their accounting supervisor. It was at that point that Marilyn discovered her favorite job of all—nanny to her granddaughter Lily.

Marilyn loved hosting holidays. She enjoyed cooking, entertaining, and being surrounded by her loving family and friends. She was a voracious reader, watched Jeopardy religiously, and would rally at any chance to watch the Cowboys with her son, Phil.

Every Christmas she planned something special for her grandchildren such as a day in New York City to see the Christmas show at Radio City Music Hall. She also planned summer vacations at many resorts and was often seen around town with her “nanny van” loaded with the grandchildren. Even when she felt very ill, Marilyn managed to attend her grandchildren’s graduations and graduation parties.

Marilyn’s family would like to thank her sisters Nonie and Jeanie for their selfless love and care of their big sister during all the ups and downs of her declining health. Home is where the heart is, and because of them, home is where Marilyn got to stay, surrounded always by her caring family. Thank you to the amazing staff of Connecticut Hospice, especially Alicia, Lauren, Theresa, Nadine, and Michele.

On Friday morning March 17, visitation will take place between 10 and 11:30 a.m. at the West Haven Funeral Home. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at noon in St. John XXIII Parish at St. John Vianney Church. Interment of cremains will follow in St. Lawrence Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to CT. Hospice (www.hospice/donate). To leave an online message for Marilyn’s family, please visit www.westhavenfuneral.com.