Marilyn I. Wolff

Marilyn I. Wolff

Marilyn Ingraham Wolff, 87, a well-known former resident of Lake of Woods, died Saturday, Nov. 12, 2011, at her residence in Fredericksburg following a brief illness.

Marilyn was born on April 20, 1924, in Hilton, N.Y., the daughter of the late Richard Vincent and Leora Ireland Ingraham. She was a petite powerhouse as a student, valedictorian of her high school class in 1942 and graduated with honors from Strong Memorial Hospital Nursing School in 1945. On Feb. 14, 1945, Marilyn married her beloved pilot, Clifford Wolff, who predeceased her.

Early in her marriage, she enjoyed working as a school nurse and also in private-duty nursing. Marilyn embraced the life of a United Airlines pilot's wife, moving from New York to Chicago in 1951 and to Virginia in 1965 for Cliff's career advancement, while raising her son and two daughters.

As a longtime resident of Lake of the Woods, Marilyn enjoyed golf, boating and swimming. She was a member of the ladies' nine-hole group and actively participated in the LOW annual member-guest tournaments.

She most especially enjoyed hosting family and friends at the "Wolffden," her waterfront home on the cove at Harpers Ferry Drive. Her talent as a hostess remains unsurpassed in her circle of family and friends. The joy of her life was to host her beloved grandchildren and great-grandchildren at her lake house.

Marilyn was also a founding member of the Lake of the Woods Church, proudly serving as an elder and actively participating in many committees. Marilyn also energetically participated in local library activities, the Retired United Pilots Association and the Orange County Boosters Association.

Marilyn is survived by one son, Phillip Wolff (and Marcia) of Highlands Ranch, Colo.; two daughters, Karen Esteppe (and Randy) of Fredericksburg and Deborah Price (and Glenn) of Clifton; five grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.

The family would like to thank Lyn's compassionate Comfort Keeper caregivers, with very special thanks to Allison, Angelia, May Ann, Rhonda, Eibis, Heatherleigh, Amy and especially Debra.

A funeral will be held at 2 p.m. Monday, Nov. 21, at Lake of the Woods Church, One Church Lane, Locust Grove. The Rev. Glenn Cannon and the Rev. Tom Schafer will officiate. A reception will follow the service at the church. Burial will be private.

The family requests that memorials be made to Lake of the Woods Church, 1 Church Lane, Locust Grove, Va. 22508; or to the charity of one's choice.

For an online guest book and obituary, please visit johnsoncares.com.