Marilyn P. Loring

Marilyn Patricia Loring (née Matson), 88, of Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, passed away from stroke complications peacefully at home on September 29, 2025 surrounded by her loving and devoted family. Born in Boston, Massachusetts, on November 12, 1936, she was the daughter of the late Frederick and Eileen Matson.
Marilyn graduated from South Boston High School and later attended Business School before proudly serving her country in the United States Navy from 1954 to 1958 as part of the Naval Reserve Security Group Division. After completing her service, she built a career as an Administrative Assistant in the financial industry, eventually dedicating 11 years to Merrill Lynch before retiring.
In 1962, Marilyn married the love of her life, Donald Loring. Over the next 63 years, they built a life together, raising their family in Bethlehem, following Don's career with Bethlehem Steel. Marilyn especially loved welcoming others into her home, where her warmth, laughter, and wonderful meals created lasting family and friend traditions. Summers spent at the family cottage on Sebago Lake in Maine and frequent travel to Texas and Delaware to visit family were among her happiest times, where she cherished every moment with her children and grandchildren.
She was a member of the Cathedral Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem and will be laid to rest at Saint Mary's Episcopal Church in Newton Lower Falls, Massachusetts.
Marilyn is survived by her beloved husband, Don; her children, Thom Loring and his wife Cindy, Steve Loring, and Linda Merritt; her sisters, Barbara Tabak, Louise Manning, and Karen Middleton; and her adored grandchildren, Hannah, Logan, Cameron, Luke, Steve, Matthew, Sean, and Raquel. She was predeceased by her sister, Elaine Sault.
A Memorial Service celebrating Marilyn's life will be held at 11 A.M. on Saturday, November 1, 2025, at the Cantelmi Long Funeral Home, 500 Linden St, Bethlehem, PA 18018, where the family will receive relatives and friends from 10 A.M. until time of the service. Condolences and memories may be shared online at www.cantelmifuneralhome.com.
In lieu of flowers, and in honor of Marilyn's strength as a breast cancer survivor, donations may be made to the American Cancer Society.