Obituary of Marilyn E. Brown

Marilyn E. Brown, 78, of Cortland, New York, passed away March 23, 2016, at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Syracuse. Born August 19, 1937, in McGraw, New York, Marilyn was the daughter of the late Henry T. and Mabel M. Winfield Rehbein. A lifelong resident of the Cortland area, Marilyn attended St. Mary’s School and graduated from Cortland High School. She worked as an inventory control supervisor at Brewer Tichenor Corp. and owned and operated the St. Charles Hotel for more than 30 years. Marilyn represented the 8th Ward on the Cortland City Council and went on to serve 10 years as a County Legislator. She was elected Chair of the Legislature in 2006, a post she held at the time of her retirement. She was a dedicated public servant and supported the local Democratic Party for many years. Marilyn was a strong leader, as well as a good and loyal friend who quietly helped many people throughout the county without fanfare. She was devoted to her family and will always be remembered as a loving mother, grandmother, daughter, and sister. She is survived by her three children: Thomas H. (Lynn), Elizabeth A. (Joseph) Burns, and Frederick T. (Mary); her grandchildren: Andrea (Rob) Sears, Nicholas (Lisa), William, Gregory, Christopher (June), and Frederick Brown; five great grandchildren; three brothers: Edward, Lauren (Ardele), and Philip (Susan) Rehbein; two sisters: Katherine (Mark) Robinson, and Cynthia (John) O’Donnell, as well as several nieces, nephews, and cousins, and her beloved dog, Violet. In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by two brothers, Thomas and Arthur. Calling hours will be held Tuesday, March 29, at 11 am to 12:45 pm at the Wright-Beard Funeral Home. Funeral services will immediately follow calling hours with the Father Joseph Zareski officiating. Burial will be at St. Mary’s Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Mary’s School, the Cortland County SPCA, the American Cancer Society, or a charity of choice. To leave a personal message for the family, visit wright-beard.com.