Marilyn Cloutier

OSTERVILLE —Marilyn Ruth (Russell) Cotton Cloutier passed peacefully on Dec. 1, 2007, surrounded by the love of her family and the exceptional caregivers at the Mary McCarthy Hospice House in Sandwich.

Marilyn, predeceased by her husband, Emerson Cloutier, fought a valiant and prolonged battle with ovarian cancer. She was determined to attend the marriage of one granddaughter, Melissa, and the christening of another, Alexa. In addition, she succeeded in celebrating her 80th birthday with her family.

Marilyn, daughter of the late Richard and Viola (Williams) Russell, and sister of Richard Russell Jr., graduated from Milton High School in 1945. She married and moved to Osterville, where she raised her three children. She was a representative for Revlon and EstxE9e Lauder, where she enjoyed helping women bring out their inner beauty through makeup. She received many awards for customer service and sales.

Marilyn was an avid tennis player and loved dancing with her late husband, Emerson. They both enjoyed the snowbird life and being with their many friends in Naples, Fla., and on Cape Cod.

She touched many people with kindness, selflessness, and humor. A special joy during her career was helping women undergoing cancer treatment maintain their confidence and dignity with makeup. She was very proud of her family and enjoyed spending time with her children and grandchildren. Marilyn was also a member of Eastern Star.

Marilyn is survived by her son, John Cotton Jr., and his wife, Ann Marie, of Osterville; daughters Marilyn Pullen and her husband, Ron, of Naples, Fla., Cynthia Shulman and her husband, Don, of Marstons Mills; grandchildren Melissa Jansen and her husband, Brent, of Marstons Mills, Andrew Cotton of New York City and Maxwell and Alexa Cotton of Osterville. Marilyn is also survived by four stepdaughters, Judy LeFrancois, Diane Cloutier, Amanda Hronek and Laurie Cloutier. Last, she leaves behind her beloved Yorkie and constant companion, Mr. Trubbles.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Marilyn's memory may be made to Hospice & Palliative Care of Cape Cod, 765 Attucks Lane, Hyannis, MA 02601, www.hospicecapecod.org.

Visiting hours at the John Lawrence Funeral Home, 3778 Falmouth Road (Route 28), Marstons Mills, will be held on Tuesday, Dec. 4, from 4 to 7 p.m.

A funeral service will be held at the United Methodist Church, 57 Pond St., Osterville, on Wednesday, Dec. 5, at 11 a.m. Burial will be private.