Obituary of Marilynn Ann McPartland

On December 19, 2023, we lost a beautiful soul. She was the matriarch of our family, strong, determined and accomplished. She never quit and when things were hard, she persevered. She battled breast cancer twice, determined not to let it defeat her, and survived over 20 years from stage 3 cancer. She did not complain, she always shared her smile- as evident in her license plate Smile-9.

Born November 11, 1937, in Yonkers, NY, Marilynn Ann McPartland was the daughter of the late Michael & Anna (Mikolay) Drost. She was a graduate of Roosevelt High School, Yonkers, NY, and Kathrine Gibbs Secretarial School in NYC.

She was married to John T McPartland Jr in Yonkers, NY; where they raised their family before moving to Pelham, NY. Jack predeceased her in 1995. Marilynn was the proud stay-at-home mother, active in so many programs-including being a substitute teacher, Girl Scout Leader, and Red Cross Volunteer. She imparted a strong sense of independence, community, and achievement in her children.

In 1976, she embarked on a 26-year career at IBM. She started in the data entry pool and retired as an International Assignment Representative with IBM Global Services.

In 1999, she retired to Hilton Head, SC. She encouraged her parents to join her, and she was happy to have spent 10 years with them in Hilton Head. Marilynn was ecstatic when her sister Carrie and her brother-in-law Bob retired there as well.

She was a member of St. Francis by the Sea Catholic Church, volunteering in so many ways from the Choir, Flower Arrangements, and St. Francis Outreach. She was active in the community, volunteering at many events, especially the Relay for Life.  She enjoyed her time as a volunteer at the Arts Center of Coastal Carolina. She enjoyed being with her friends and the many good times playing bridge, mahjong, dining out or traveling the world together.

She is survived by her children Nancy (Donald Sr) Muller of Wappingers Falls, NY, Susan (Mark) Portanova of Franklin, TN and John T (Julianne Pontone) McPartland III of Virginia Beach, VA, and son-in-law Richard DelRossi of Wakefield, MA; nine grandchildren Matthew DelRossi, Donald (Kerri Carpenter) Muller Jr, Thomas DelRossi, Jeffrey (Naomi) Muller, Christine Muller, AnnMarie (Jonathan) Sharpe, Kristen Portanova, Tyler Portanova & Stephanie Portanova; and five great-grandchildren; Zoerose DelRossi, Emmett Muller, VeraAnn Sharpe, Llewyn Muller, & EttaRose Sharpe.  Marilynn is also survived by her sister, Carolyn (Robert) Engle of Hilton Head, SC, beloved friend Louise LoPiccolo of Hilton Head, SC, and several nieces & nephews.

In addition to her parents and husband, Marilynn was preceded in death by her daughter Cheryl DelRossi and granddaughter in law Melissa DelRossi.

Marilynn went above and beyond to be the best mother, daughter, sister, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend. Family was one of the pride points of her life, and it shined through in everything she did. She put family first. She was intentionally inclusive with her love for life and family and had a deep passion for travel.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Francis by the Sea Catholic Church at 10 am on January 3rd and a reception to follow in the St. Francis Family Center. In lieu of flowers, the family is suggesting donations to Relay for Life, American Cancer Society, or a charity of your choice.