ANNAPOLIS, Md. - Marilyn P. Clark died peacefully Jul. 24, 2017, in Annapolis, Md., following a decade-long battle with Parkinson's disease.
She was a quiet woman, talented musician, and teacher, who taught piano to generations of Sussex County children for nearly 30 years. Marilyn was born in Milford on March 18, 1942, attended school in the Caesar Rodney School District graduating from Caesar Rodney High School in 1960 and the University of Delaware in 1964, where she later earned a Master's Degree in Education. She began her teaching career in Bear, and briefly taught at Georgetown Elementary School when the family moved to Sussex County. Once her children were born, she remained home to raise them, but continued to teach piano. She was a popular piano teacher, with a wait list at one point of over a year. She greatly enjoyed her work and the lives she touched. She also played the piano for over 30 years at St. John's United Methodist Church, Grace United Methodist Church, and was in demand at many churches in Sussex County for special events. She also regularly played for the CHEER Glee Club. In addition to the piano, she loved reading, sewing, and making her home appear to be straight out of the pages of Better Homes and Gardens.
Marilyn is survived by three children, sons, Warner J. Clark, Jr. (Jamie), Jeffrey S. Clark, and Jonathan D. Clark; and three wonderful daughters-in-law, Kathy Clark, Claudia Clark, and Laura Clark. She is also survived by seven grandchildren, Michael James Clark, Miranda Clark, Jason Clark, Samuel Clark, Sofia Clark, Tyler Clark, and Tessa Clark, all of whom she loved dearly and enjoyed spoiling.
Marilyn was predeceased by her father, Samuel L. Bickling; her mother, Irene D. Bickling; and her brother, Samuel C. Bickling.
A funeral service will be held on Saturday, Jul. 29, 2017, at 1 p.m. in the chapel of Short Funeral Services, 609 E. Market St., Georgetown, DE 19947, where friends may call after 12:30 p.m. Burial will be private.
In lieu of flowers, contributions in Madilyn's memory can be made to: Season's Hospice Foundation, Donation Processing Center, 8537 Solution Center, Chicago, IL 60677 or http://seasonsfoundation.org/donate/