Obituary of Marilyn Shimer

Marilyn Shimer, a beloved resident of Hilton Head Island, passed away peacefully on June 14, 2023, at the age of 95. Her legacy lives on through her family and vast network of friends and acquaintances who were blessed to witness a remarkable life filled with love, compassion, and unwavering strength.

Marilyn was a cherished daughter, sister, wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother, aunt and friend. Her warm and kind-hearted nature touched the lives of all who knew her. She had a radiant smile that could light up any room, and her infectious laughter and feisty spirit brought joy to those around her.

While being raised between Florida and Ohio, Marilyn developed deep connections with her community that persisted through many moves as a newlywed and short and long term stays in Ohio, Pennsylvania and South Carolina. She witnessed changes in society, the pace of life and the hustle and bustle of day to day living but always found “home” in the simple joys of seeking out nature, enjoying a cool breeze on the back porch or finding the ultimate treasure at a thrift store.

She had an adventurous spirit, and an uncanny ability to look deeper into any situation and find something relatable. Her home provided sanctuary for many as time in the “parlor” or around the dining room table was often filled with wisdom, thought provoking conversation and the opportunity to gaze around and appreciate her style and collections.

Her life was shaped by experiences both heartbreaking and exhilarating. She knew the deep sense of loss as a young grieving mother. She had a front row seat to the passing of her husband Doyt and her parents, brother, in-laws and numerous friends. She also experienced the rush of anticipation as she welcomed four additional children, eight grandchildren, and six great grandchildren into this world.  

Marilyn was a pillar of strength and role model for her family. She had a quest to maintain her independence, and approached every life challenge with persistence, perseverance and the daily prayer that God would take her hand and guide her. She continued to sustain the life built with her husband Doyt after his passing and through her last moments, lived life her way supported by an incredible support system of island friends, acquaintances and family. Her lasting lessons as simple as appropriately setting a table or preparing the perfect scrambled eggs to the deeper ideas such as understanding self care matters and the importance of nurturing a deep, diverse network will guide those left behind. Her words from January 2023 “it’s the little things that make the big things” will help us move forward with hope, memories and purpose.

Marilyn Shimer leaves behind a lasting legacy of love, compassion, and a deep appreciation for life's simple joys. She will be deeply missed by her children, grandchildren, extended family, and friends, whose lives she touched with her grace and warmth.

A Funeral Mass will be held on July 18, 2023 at 10:00 a.m. at St. Francis by the Sea Catholic Church to celebrate the remarkable life of Marilyn Shimer. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations to be made to HHI Safe Harbour (https://www.hhisafeharbour.org/donations), a cause that supported Marilyn's independence.

Though our hearts are heavy with grief, we find solace in knowing that Marilyn is at peace, surrounded by the beauty she cherished so dearly. May her soul find eternal rest, and may her memory be a source of inspiration for all who were fortunate enough to know her.

Rest in peace, dear Marilyn. You will forever remain in our hearts.