Marilynn Margaret Rook: A Legacy of Love, Kindness, and Family Devotion Remembered

It is with profound sadness yet a heart full of cherished memories that we announce the passing of Marilynn Margaret Rook, who departed peacefully at the age of 86. Marilynn, a beloved matriarch, devoted wife, loving mother, doting grandmother, and adored great-grandmother, left an indelible mark on the lives of all fortunate enough to know her.

Her passing leaves a void in our hearts, but her spirit of generosity, kindness, and unwavering love will forever illuminate our paths.

Born in Cleveland, Ohio, Marilynn carried the warmth and resilience of her roots throughout her life. In 1968, she embarked on a new chapter, moving to the sunny shores of Deerfield Beach, Florida, where she would build a vibrant life and establish deep community ties.

It was here that she truly blossomed, creating a home filled with love, laughter, and an open-door policy for family and friends alike.

Marilynn’s greatest joy and most enduring legacy was undoubtedly her family. She was the cornerstone of her household, always prioritizing the needs and happiness of her loved ones above her own.

She was predeceased by her beloved husband, Charles A. Rook, in 2011, and together they built a beautiful life and raised four wonderful children: Charles J. (Lori), Daniel J. (Mary), Jeffrey G. (Debra), and Marilynn M. Johnson (Scott). Her love extended to her nine cherished grandchildren – Charles, Christopher, Nicholas, Andrew, Jessica, Kimberly, Jeffrey, Kevin, and Jason – who brought immense light and joy into her world.

The arrival of her eight great-grandchildren – Noah, Liam, Jack, Henry, Emma, Addison, Madilynn, and William – further enriched her later years, allowing her to revel in the boundless energy of the next generation.

Beyond her family, Marilynn was a woman of diverse passions. She found solace and joy in the simple pleasures of life.

An avid Bridge player, she relished the camaraderie and intellectual challenge of the game. Her love for reading kept her mind sharp and her imagination soaring, while her green thumb transformed her garden into a vibrant oasis. Marilynn also held a special place in her heart for her beloved pets, showering them with the same unconditional love she extended to everyone in her circle.

She is also survived by her dear sister, Virginia "Ginny" O'Brien.

Marilynn will be remembered for her infectious warm smile, her welcoming nature, and her genuine compassion. She had an extraordinary ability to make everyone feel seen, valued, and loved. Her life was a testament to living fully, loving deeply, and giving selflessly.

While we mourn her physical absence, we celebrate a life truly well-lived, a life that touched countless hearts and left an indelible mark of love and kindness.

A viewing will be held to honor Marilynn’s life at Kraeer-Fairchild Funeral Home & Cremation Center. A Funeral Mass will follow at St.

Ambrose Catholic Church in Deerfield Beach, where family and friends will gather to offer prayers and share memories. Marilynn will be laid to rest beside her beloved husband at the South Florida National Cemetery, finding her eternal peace among those she cherished.