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Marilyn Hildebrandt Obituary
September 5, 1943 - June 8, 2015
Marilyn Hildebrandt died unexpectedly on June 8, 2015 in Modesto, CA at the age of 71. She passed peacefully with her son by her side.
Born on September 5, 1943 in Glendale, CA to Robert and Esther Hallin, Marilyn lived for family, friends and experiences.
Marilyn is survived by her son, Mark Hildebrandt, sister, Phyllis Sinclair, grandchildren, Michael and Morgan Hildebrandt, daughter-in-law, Melanie Hildebrandt, niece, Jill Russo and nephew, Brian Sinclair. She also leaves a wide circle of friends and colleagues, all of whom will miss her greatly.
One of Marilyn's greatest joys was celebrating and spending time with family and friends, especially her grandchildren. A consummate hostess, Marilyn loved to plan and perfect small and large gatherings for holidays, showers, birthdays and any other reason to rejoice. The level of attention and detail from the invitations, to the decorations, down to the menu demonstrated her creativity and thoughtfulness in creating personalized experiences for everyone. She took such joy in the happiness she brought to others through these celebrations.
Her passion for travelling, which she shared with all who knew her, led her to almost every continent in the world. She loved meeting new people and learning about different cultures. Every trip was an adventure, as she found delight in each new experience. Whether she was listening to the ocean from a deck in Northern California, learning to cook with a family in Aguascalientes, studying the history of the moai statues on Easter Island or on a African safari, Marilyn's love of travelling was evident.
Her enthusiasm for education, led Marilyn to earn a Bachelor's Degree from CSU San Jose, a Master's Degree from CSU Sacramento, and a Doctorate from the University of San Francisco. Her career in education continued for over 30 years in the Ceres Unified School District. She began in the classroom, spent many years as a principal and retired in 2002 as an assistant superintendent.
The celebration of Marilyn's life will take place at 11am on July 11, 2015 at Caswell Elementary School, 1800 Central Ave, Ceres, CA. Memorial donations may be made to Caswell PTC and mailed to Caswell PTC, 1800 Central Ave. Ceres, California 95307 c/o Alfonso Navarro, Principal.
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Memories and Condolences
for Marilyn Hildebrandt
Nina Suntzeff
July 1, 2025
Marilyn...gosh, it's been 10 years since you left us...so much has happened during this decade...I wish we could sit around your table again and catch up, share stories of our travels. I miss you on this anniversary, so I'll go look at the photos from those trips to Aguascalientes and smile.
Robin Yates
July 1, 2023
Love and miss you
Nina Suntzeff
July 1, 2022
Seven years has gone by...I miss you Marilyn and our friendship...and those grand times at the Feria in Aguascalientes! Your spirit is still with us and forever.
Nina Suntzeff
June 10, 2016
Remembering Marilyn on the anniversary of her passing. I miss you dearest friend! You left us too soon, but you enriched my life beyond words.
Robin Yates
May 13, 2016
I new her when she worked at Caswell elemtra school in ceres ca I love her so much and had no idea she passed away I knew Mark when he was very young.I remember all of her baskets that she had from all of her travels
Gary Hallin
July 12, 2015
Marilyn was my cousin and good friend. We were both born in the same year, and growing up, we spent many summers and holidays "hanging out", and enjoying our time together; it was a special time, with special memories. As years went by, I was always impressed by Marilyn's accomplishments, travel experiences, love of anything connected to education, and especially her devotion to Mark and family, her sister Phyllis, and her extended family. She leaves a big void in many lives, but at the same time she also left an indelible imprint on those lives by her constant giving of love and joy. She will be sorely missed, and I offer my deepest sympathy to Mark and family.
One of Our Fun Get Togethers
Mary C Jones
July 11, 2015
Marilyn was such an inspiration to all! I will miss her tremendously. What a great friend! We had such good times together. I especially enjoyed when she would have Sallie and I over for lunch after she retired and we were still working. It was such a breath of fresh air in the middle of our work day. As was Marilyn's way, she'd have a beautiful gourmet meal for us. We always hated to leave and return to work. What a joy it was to have her in my life!
Patti Robinson
July 10, 2015
Marilyn had an infectious smile that literally lit up any room she would enter. I came to know Marilyn when her grandson, Michael, whom she loved with all her heart entered preschool. She would often accompany him, adorning all of the jewelry that she "allowed" him to put on her. She has always had a special place in my heart. She adored her family! Mark, Mel, Michael and Morgan, my continued prayers are with you in a special way. She left a huge mark on this earth. Heaven now shines brighter.
July 10, 2015
Marilyn was an outstanding person, both personally and professionally. She gained experience and continued to improve as the years went by.
Having Marilyn on the staff was an asset to her school and the district because of her positive attitude both as a professional and a friend! She was creative and helpful with all those she worked with through the years.
M. Robert Adkison
Ceres Unified School District Superintendent
July 9, 2015
A bright shining star: super smile, hearty laugh, big compassionate heart, intelligent human being! Very fond memories -- RJ Moriconi & Tony Alonzo
Nina Suntzeff
July 7, 2015
Marilyn....so full of life and joy in exploring new horizons, people, cultures....it was a highlight of my life to travel with you to Aguascalientes. You looked at everything with such happiness and compassion. You just can't be gone! How we all will miss you so much. And remember your smiles and love for living.
Janet Hinkle-Wilmeth
July 7, 2015
I worked for Marilyn in the admin office at Ceres. She and I went on an adventure to Khmelnitsky, Ukraine together. Oh the memories. She encouraged me to go to college so I enrolled at MJC, then on to Stanislaus where I got my BA and then an MA. I thank her for that encouragement as it changed my life.
Marilyn you were the greatest and I thank you for being a part of my life.
Daniel Smurr
July 6, 2015
I am so sorry for your family's loss. Marilyn was a very good friend to my mom, Margaret Smurr, especially so when mom was sick. Marylin helped us, as i suspect she did for many. It was always a joy talking with her.
Dora Bingham
July 6, 2015
I was surprised to hear of Marilyn's passing. She hired me to work at Caswell and was a great support to me while I was learning the "ropes". I have fond memories of her.
Debi Kindred-Morgan
July 6, 2015
Dear Mark and family,
Marilyn touched many lives with her genuine enthusiasm for others and for life itself. Ceres Unified was lucky to have her because of her professionalism in education. She was always fun to be around, and I always appreciated how kind she was to me. I feel lucky to have called her my friend.
July 5, 2015
Dear Mark and family. I am so very sorry for the loss of your mom...She was a dear friend of mine for over 33 years at Caswell..I am so honored to have had Marilyn for a friend..She will be dearly missed and will remain in my heart.God Bless you and the family.. RIP my sweet,dear friend.
Love, Maudie Lamb and family
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