Marilyn Jo Ferreira

Marilyn Ferreira, a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, and pioneering leader in real estate and community service, passed away peacefully on September 4, at the age of 88.

Born in Los Angeles in 1937, Marilyn dedicated her life to family, service, and leadership. She shared 46 wonderful years of marriage with her husband, Richard Ferreira. Together they raised five daughters and were blessed with nine grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. Family was always her greatest joy and highest priority. She gave generously of her love, wisdom, and support, and never missed an opportunity to celebrate the lives of those she held dear.

In the early 1970s, Marilyn embarked on a remarkable career in real estate. What began as a job quickly became her passion and her calling. A trailblazer in her profession, she broke barriers at a time when women leaders in real estate were rare. Her dedication and excellence were consistently recognized - earning honors as a top listing agent, top producer, and top selling agent. She was named Woman of the Year by the Chamber of Commerce and received the Heart of Hazel Hawkins Hospital award for her service.

Marilyn also gave deeply of her time and leadership to the real estate and business communities. She served as President of the San Benito County Association of REALTORS® in 1981, 1982, 1983, and 2004, and was honored as Realtor of the Year. She served as Region 10 Director for the California Association of REALTORS®, was appointed Director-at-Large for the state association, and held countless committee roles where her insight and integrity left an indelible mark. Beyond real estate, she led as President of the Hollister Rotary Club - the first woman to hold that position - and later chaired the San Benito County Community Foundation. She also served as President of the Hollister Downtown Association and was a passionate advocate for fairness, justice, and community progress.

Despite her many achievements, Marilyn's true measure of success was found in her family. She loved traveling with Richard, her daughters, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, creating cherished memories along the way. To all who knew her, Marilyn embodied strength, grace, compassion, and integrity.

She is survived by her sister, Donna; her daughters and their spouses, Sheilah Cox, Susan and Sanford Rosenthal, Renee and John Kunz, Monica Ferreira, and Cindy and Blake Antle; her grandchildren Michael and Stacey Cox, Brandon and Jeremy Rosenthal, Alex and Sydney Kunz, and Brody, Brooks, and Bailey Antle; and her great-grandchildren Olivia Rose, Kennedy Rosenthal, Kensleigh Antle, and Blaine Antle. She is also remembered by countless extended family members, friends, colleagues, and community members whose lives she touched.

A Celebration of Life will be held on November 6 at 11:00 a.m. at Leal Vineyards. Please RSVP to 669-305-2106 by October 27, 2025.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Marilyn Ferreira Girls' Athletic Scholarship, benefiting graduating female athletes from Hollister High School pursuing athletics at a four-year college or university. Marilyn founded this scholarship after recognizing that local female athletes were not receiving the recognition they deserved.

Memorial gifts may be mailed to:

Community Foundation for San Benito County

440 San Benito Street

Hollister, CA 95023

Or made directly online at www.givesanbenito.org.

Her legacy of love, service, and leadership will live on in the hearts of all who knew her. May her memory forever be a blessing.