Marilyn Anne Burnitz

Marilyn Anne Burnitz, a beloved mother, grandmother, sister, companion, and friend, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, December 17, 2025.

Marilyn was born on May 22, 1949, to Clark and Lillian Cahall joining siblings Jackie, Phyllis, Susanne, and Bill in Newark Delaware. Being the youngest of five, she was socially savvy, diplomatic, and very independent.

This independence motivated a young Marilyn to start work at Vera's Dress Shop, which sparked a passion for beautiful clothes and meticulous accessorizing. An always "well-put-together" look was one of Marilyn's trademarks throughout her life.

Her next career move was to Sears, where she quickly advanced to become the manager of numerous departments during her 15 years at the Prices Corner location in Wilmington DE. Marilyn was seen as a fair, no-nonsense, diligent leader whose work ethic was respected by many.

Marilyn's ambition then led her to MBNA, where she continued to shine as a respected leader in the Collections Department. Her competitive nature and unyielding ambition again propelled her through the ranks at MBNA.

Later, working at Siemens was Marilyn's final career choice, where she enjoyed working with her sister-in-law Alice (Cahall) until a well-deserved retirement in 2013. Marilyn was never afraid to work hard and always sought to better herself and the lives of everyone that she loved. Marilyn was a proud, strong and intelligent woman who built and sustained a wonderful and stable life for herself, and her daughter Stephanie.

Following her retirement, Marilyn and Jack celebrated life by living at the beach in Lewes, Delaware, which was lifetime dream of Marilyn's. It was also during these years that Marilyn honed her skills of baking and cooking. Her specialties included a host of cookies, flat apple pie, and applesauce. During the holidays everyone could expect delicious gifts, garnished with her signature, 'perfect little' bows. Together, Marilyn and Jack loved spending time with family and friends, as well as tending to an immaculate yard and wonderful garden.

Marilyn's greatest source of pride and joy was her family. She is survived by her Fiancé John C. "Jack" Bradley Sr., her daughter Stephanie Pankowski-Orga (Jim) and her grandsons and great grandchildren Austin (McKenna and Cooper) Shakespeare and Trevor (Haylie and Shiloh) Shakespeare, Danielle Bradley (Christa McHugh) and John Bradley, Jr (Jody, Olivia, and Gavin). She will be greatly missed by her siblings, Jackie Haas and Bill (Alice) Cahall, numerous nieces and nephews, as well as her best friend of 60 years, Betty Sharp, and her grand dog Gus, the best little boy.

Marilyn will be remembered for her grace, strength, laughter and strong opinions. She was deeply loyal to those she loved. A straight shooter, Marilyn never minced words, and if you could handle it, you were better off for it. She never met a challenge she didn't face head on even until her final day. Her guidance, humor and love will be missed by all of us.

Family and friends are invited to visit at the Doherty Funeral Home, 3200 Limestone Road, Pike Creek on Tuesday, January 20, 2026 from 10:00 – 11:00AM. Funeral services will begin at 11:00AM, followed by interment at Ebenezer United Methodist Church Cemetery, 525 Polly Drummond Hill Road, Newark.