Marilyn Forrest Rilee

Marilyn Rilee Obituary

Marilyn Louise Forrest Rilee passed away peacefully on August 2, 2023 in Juno Beach, Florida. Born on September 2, 1935 to the late Vernon and Evelyn Forrest, she was a native of Poquoson, Va and had lived in Florida since 2014. Marilyn retired from Langley AFB Civil Service in 1988 and after that devoted herself to her family, her friends, her faith and sharing her love of music. She taught countless students to play piano over the years. Marilyn began serving as pianist and organist in her church at age 13, directed and accompanied a Men's Chorus and Ladies Chorus and continued playing for congregations up until her last year of life.

Marilyn was predeceased by her husband, Stanley Rilee. She is survived by her daughter, Dr. Martha Ferguson Pietrafesa (Joseph), and by grandchildren Kathryn, Mia, Christina, Joseph and Lola. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Trustbridge Hospice Foundation 5300 East Ave. West Palm Beach, FL 33407 Trustbridge.com

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Published by Daily Press on Aug. 4, 2023.

Memories and Condolences
for Marilyn Rilee

11 Entries

August 30, 2023

My deepest condolences. May God's Holy Spirit be with the family. I pray that he brings comfort to you all at this difficult time.

The Roches

August 8, 2023

Martha and family,
We are sorry to hear of your mother´s passing. Our prayers are with you as you go through the grieving process.

Larry `Oleg´ and Robin Roche

Carolyn Graham

August 6, 2023

Martha and family, I was so very sorry to learn of Marilyn´s passing. I was one of her piano students as a young girl. My mother wanted me to take from Marilyn because she had a reputation as being one of the "best" teachers you could have. In later years, I was fortunate enough to have her as my next door neighbor along with you and Risha. Marilyn definitely was a good cook and would bring me slices of the delicious cakes she would make. To this day I still have in my recipe box those recipes she shared with me. A lot of fond memories living next door to her. As we all know, she could make a piano sing so to speak. She was the pianist at my church for quite a few years and everybody loved having her play. She also played for my husband Bobby´s funeral and as another person shared she would not accept any pay for doing so.

Marilyn was a "special" person with many talents. I know your loss is great, and I pray God will grant you all peace and comfort as you mourn your loss. Heaven´s choir just got a great pianist to accompany them!

Michelle

August 6, 2023

Mrs. Marilyn was the kindest, strongest piano teacher I could have asked for. I will always think of you whenever I play. You will be missed

Glenda Moore

August 5, 2023

She is remembered fondly and was a special person in my younger life. First cousins were very close and since I only had three . She was the closest in age. I was a bit afraid of her when I was little say three to seven. She wanted me to stay out of her old toys dolls etc. I pleaded but to no avail. She also delighted in scaring me with a red hairy mask. Later we were friends and I looked up to her. I have many stories I could share but we all do.She was extremely talented with her music, hands and food. God only made one Marilyn. I was fortunate and grateful to have had her in my life

Doris Taylor Williams

August 5, 2023

To Marilyn's family - have known her most of my life; used to go home with her from school when we were both in grade school and then on to my Aunt's to spend the night. We were together in the Poquoson High School Band with great memories of those times; and we worked together at Langley; had lost touch since I moved to LA and didn't know she had moved to FL. She was a great person and will be missed by so many. God bless all of you at this most difficult time.

Joe Gauldin

August 5, 2023

So very sorry to hear this. Loved playing along with her on Sunday mornings at Temple Baptist Church. Such a Sweet Lady. Hugs to You All

Phyllis Kohlman

August 4, 2023

She played the organ and piano so beautifully. When my mother died, I asked her to play at the funeral. I requested Bridge Over Troubled Water to be played, along with some selected hymns that mother liked. Marilyn did a wonderful job of playing the music. When I went to pay her, she refused. She said this is my gift to you and your family. I thought that was so sweet. I don´t know if she realized how much I appreciated that. She was nice and very gifted. Have missed her playing the organ and piano at Temple since she moved. Wonderful lady. Prayers for her family.

Dana Ferguson

August 4, 2023

I have so many wonderful memories of Marilyn and will always remember her with a smile. Sending lots of love and big hugs to Martha, Joe and family

Beverly and Jimmy Phillips

August 4, 2023

Dear Martha,
Jimmy and I just read of your Mama's passing in the in the Daily Press. Your Mom was so very special. I used to follow her on Facebook. You and your Mom seemed so happy in Florida with the girls. I know she loved having all of you together.
Last Dec. Marilyn sent us a beautiful Christmas card. I keep it on my dresser and think of her every day.

Love,
Bev and Jim

Russell Houlden

August 4, 2023

This is very sad news indeed. My deepest condolences to her daughter Martha and her extended family. I was a high school classmate of Martha's and so in our (at that time relatively small) community of Poquoson, VA, like everyone, knew Martha's mom. She was a wonderfully considerate and genuinely nice person. May God grant unto her eternal rest and peace.

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