Marilyn S. Fantone

Marilyn S. Fantone, 88 ½ years young, passed away on Saturday, February 3, 2024, in the comfort of her home.
Marilyn was born in Syracuse, NY and lived in Indiana and Florida throughout her childhood before settling in Norfolk, VA. As a young adult, Marilyn worked at SouthGate Brokerage Company and Gatlin Business Forms. She met her husband to be on a blind date and married Joseph John Fantone, Jr. on November 15, 1958. She became a homemaker and raised her two daughters. Later, she became a night auditor working at The Sanctuary, which was a home for pregnant women needing shelter, medical care, and guidance on becoming mothers. Marilyn was a caregiver to many including her grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and neighborhood children. Marilyn was an active member of the Holy Trinity Catholic Church parish for many years. She was an Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion, a sponsor for catechumens, and volunteered in the school cafeteria and bingo. She was an avid reader of James Patterson and Mitch Albom, loved to put together puzzles, camping and fishing with her husband and children, and cherished spending time with family.
Marilyn is survived by her daughters, Helen Cummins and husband Greg of Norfolk, VA, and Melissa Mattes and husband Jim of Garner, NC; granddaughters, Maegan Wicker of Virginia Beach, VA, and Mandy Swaney and husband Marcus of Milford, DE; four step-grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.
A funeral mass will be conducted at 11a.m. on Thursday, February 8, 2024, at Holy Trinity Catholic Church with Fr. James Glass officiating. The family will receive friends at the church one hour prior to the service. Hollomon-Brown Funeral Home, Tidewater Drive Chapel is in charge of arrangements. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Holy Trinity Catholic Church, St. Teresa Food Pantry, 154 W. Government Ave., Norfolk, VA 23503, or Birthright of Norfolk, 4101 Granby St., Ste. 201, Norfolk, VA 23504. Condolences may be offered to the family at www.hollomon-brown.com.