Marilyn Kay Starrett

Marilyn Starrett died peacefully February 4 at her Denver home, surrounded by her loving family. She was 80.

A Colorado native, Marilyn was born in Fort Collins on Jan. 25, 1946, and lived most of her life in the Denver area. Her family and friends remember Marilyn for her curiosity about the world, her passion for travel and her unfailing loyalty to those she loved.

Marilyn had close relationships with her family. She and her sister, Kerry Sue, shared a lifetime of experiences – not only as siblings, but as best friends. Marilyn was a fierce and proud protector of her sons, Randy and Robert, and her grandson, Alden. She was so thankful for her husband John, the love of her life. Their relationship spanned 50 years.

Marilyn relished the intellectual connection she had with John, and loved conversation and debate with others. She held passionate discussions about the news of the day – often over a glass of red wine.

She attended Colorado State University for two years and later completed her bachelor’s degree in journalism at Metropolitan State College. She was one of the first employees of Kaiser Permanente of Colorado, joining the organization in 1970 as employee number 59.

As the company grew over the decades, so did Marilyn’s influence. She knew everyone, and everyone knew her. “Ask Marilyn,” was a familiar phrase among her colleagues. She usually knew the answer.

While at Kaiser, Marilyn went back to school and earned a master’s degree in visual communications at the University of Colorado, Denver. She used her knowledge to expand the reach of the public affairs department, where she was the lead communicator.

Marilyn loved words and the craft of writing. She appreciated the flow of a graceful sentence and the wit in a pithy quote. She loved Mark Twain, historical novels, and British dramas. She also had a fascination for science and medicine.
She prided herself on her ability to immerse herself in the jargon-filled medical world. As a communicator, she was able to translate complicated medical terms into simpler language that patients would understand. And she taught physicians that their bedside manner, the art of medicine, was just as important as the science.

Though small in stature, Marilyn commanded both board rooms and classrooms. People listened to what she had to say. After she retired from Kaiser Permanente, Marilyn joined the faculty of Metropolitan State College, where she taught journalism, public relations and social documentary to a new generation of writers and photographers.

Throughout her career, Marilyn earned dozens of accolades and awards. She received a national lifetime achievement award from Kaiser Permanente’s corporate leaders. She also earned Kaiser Permanente of Colorado’s Summit Award, the company’s highest employee honor. Numerous publications and campaigns she created were recognized in public relations competitions throughout her Kaiser tenure.

Marilyn loved to travel. She and John visited 26 countries over the years and immersed themselves in the culture of each place they visited. An avid photographer, Marilyn captured the beauty and architecture of each city she visited, sharing the images with family and friends.

Her favorite spot was Rome, a bustling city of energy, extraordinary art, history and delicious food and wine. She had a tremendous visual imagination that allowed her to be transported back in time and envision what it was like to live in the ancient city.

Although illness prevented her from returning to Rome to celebrate her 80th birthday, she was excited to celebrate the milestone at an Italian restaurant in Denver with her favorite people. The group shared stories, laughter, Italian delicacies, and of course, wine. The evening wrapped up with a toast to Marilyn, and her well-lived life.

Marilyn is survived by her husband John Starrett, her sister Kerry Sue Black (Herb) her sons Randy and Robert (Sherri) Kiarsis; her grandson Alden (Chiara); nephew Todd Byers (Charity) and their son, Bennett; and her niece Julie Byers (Jesse).
A celebration of Marilyn’s life will be held later this year.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Committee to Protect Journalists, an organization that protects journalists and fights for a free press worldwide.