Marilyn Madigan Arbegast

1939 - 2024

MARILYN MADIGAN ARBEGAST

May 26, 1939 – March 31, 2024

Bakersfield – Marilyn Madigan Arbegast, 84, passed away on Easter Sunday, March 31, 2024 in Bakersfield, CA. She will be remembered as a true lady, hardworking, dedicated to raising her children to be people of good character and always elegantly dressed to the nines. She was born in Baltimore Maryland on May 26, 1939 to Chester and Dorothy Madigan. She attended the Institute of Notre Dame, an all girls Catholic high school in Baltimore. She was married to Dr. Neil Arbegast and together they raised 5 children. The family lived in Texas for many years before moving to Bakersfield in 1970.

Marilyn's love of fashion led her to a long career in the retail industry, first at Brock's department store as a personal shopper and fashion coordinator. When Gottschalks acquired Brocks in 1987 she continued as the special events coordinator for the Southern California stores. She was a true mentor to the young people with whom she worked. In her later years she volunteered at the Assistance League of Bakersfield where she made many wonderful friends. She was also an accomplished seamstress. Every Easter she would sew dresses with matching coats for her daughters. Marilyn found immense joy in cooking for others and entertaining. Her holiday celebrations were legendary. She was happiest when large groups attended, once even hosting 60 people at her home for Thanksgiving two days before Michele's wedding. Her motto was the more food and people the merrier! Family and friend's visits were a hallmark of her life. She enjoyed hosting her nieces and nephews in California and always looked forward to her annual summer visit to Maine with her cousin, Mary.

Above all else she loved and was so very proud of her children and grandchildren. She was a perfect combination of loving and firm with everyone in her life. She took joy in spoiling her grandchildren with everything from sweet treats, Valentine's day gifts and clothes. She also saved every thank you note her children/grandchildren wrote to her as well as many pictures and newspaper articles they sent. Whenever one of her friends called, she had to tell them all about her family's accomplishments. She enjoyed visiting her grandchildren for the holidays and they looked forward to the Smith's cookies she always brought with her.

Marilyn's family would grow over the years with the addition of spouses, 10 grandchildren and 2 great grandchildren. She is survived by her husband Dr Neil Arbegast and her children, Fred Arbegast (Maggie), Duane Arbegast (Leslie, Katrina), Michele Hobbs (Michael), Ann White (Jim) and her son in law David Engleman. As well as her grandchildren, Gus Zoell (Carley), Harry Arbegast, Samantha Arbegast, Adie Hobbs, Connor Hobbs, Houston Engleman, Avery Engleman, Reagan Engleman, Jack White, and Parker White and great grandchildren Astrid Yu Zoell and Rory Yu Zoell. She was preceded in death by her brother, Chester Madigan and her daughter, Melissa Arbegast Engleman.

A mass of Christian Burial will take place on Friday, May 31, 2024 at St Francis Roman Catholic Church, 900 H Street, Bakersfield, CA 93304 at 3:00pm, a reception celebrating Marilyn's life will follow the service in the Church Parish Hall.

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