Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
BORN
1937
DIED
2016
FUNERAL HOME
Marilyn Spina Obituary
Des Moines
Marilyn "Ci Ci" Rose Spina, 78, passed away Wednesday, February 10, 2016 at Trinity Center at Luther Park after a 2 ½ year illness. Marilyn was born July 3, 1937 to James and Laura Spina. She had been a lifelong resident of Des Moines. Marilyn graduated from St. Joseph Academy High School. She worked for Polk County in various positions retiring from the Polk County Assessor's Office after 37 years of public service. She also was a former member of Des Moines Water Works Board and the board of Optometry Examiners. Marilyn loved to travel, enjoyed card games, socializing, and spending time with her family. She also enjoyed being involved in the political arena where she excelled with her personality. Above all, her greatest joy was meeting and becoming friends with anyone that crossed her path. Her personality was unique and captivating, making her closest friends loyal until the end. If you had a cause that needed support, Marilyn was there for you. Some of her greatest loves included her church and her nieces, nephews, great-nieces and nephews, who will cherish loving memories of her.
Marilyn was preceded into eternal life by her beloved parents; and her brother, Joseph Spina. She is survived by her brother, Larry Spina; sisters-in-law, Mary Spina and Betty Spina; and many nieces and nephews.
Funeral services will be held on Saturday, February 27, 2016 at All Saints Catholic Church, 650 NE 52nd Avenue, Des Moines. Family will hold a visitation from 9 to 11 a.m. with Mass at 11 a.m., followed by a lunch. Private burial will take place at Glendale Cemetery next to her parents resting place. Condolences may be expressed at www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Marilyn Spina
4 Entries
Michael Marasco
February 23, 2016
I remember Marilyn coming over to my parents house when I was younger and making everyone laugh!! She was truly a good hearted person...
Cheryl Bolden
February 22, 2016
I wish I had seen her in the past decade to tell her what an impact she had in my life. I saw Ms. Marilyn when I worked at the County as a teen. She always had her nose to the grindstone and stood tall among the men who work there too. I was most impressed when I looked the newspaper and saw the salaries of the county employees and saw that she earned just as much as the men. I went on to a history making military career encouraged by her professional stature in my hometown. She served as the "wings" for a lot of young women!
Patricia Viers
February 22, 2016
I am so very sorry hear of this. She was an awesome women. I miss her.
Jerry and Linda Crawford
February 21, 2016
It isn't often you can say someone is truly unique and mean it literally. With Marilyn all of us who loved her mean it literally!
Nothing was more entertaining than watching Marilyn use her extraordinary wit to take someone apart. Likewise, nothing was more challenging than when that person was you.
Marilyn was respected by her political allies and feared by her political enemies. She liked enjoyed the later more than the former.
Ci Ci was a terrific Godmother to our son Conor and a great friend to our entire family.
Marilyn will long be missed but never be duplicated!
Showing 1 - 4 of 4 results
Make a Donation
in Marilyn Spina's name
Memorial Events
for Marilyn Spina
Funeral services provided by:
Hamilton's Funeral Home on Westown Parkway3601 Westown Parkway, West Des Moines, IA 50266
How to support Marilyn's loved ones
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Cope With Grief
Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you.
Read more
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read moreWays to honor Marilyn Spina's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
