Marilyn Willison

Marilyn Murray Willison was born on 13 November, 1948 and adopted by Edward and Onie Murray when she was four years old. They provided her a loving and stable family. She often recalled the memory of her first Christmas with her new parents where they had decorated a beautiful tree with presents underneath. It was magic to her, and for the rest of her life the tradition of Christmas was treasured as her favorite time of the year.

Marilyn married and had two sons B.G. Willison, Jr. and Geoffrey Edward Willison. Her sons grew into accomplished gentlemen who married, B.G. (Tori) and Geoffrey (Susan) and gave Marilyn four grandchildren. Cara, Morgan, Ivy and Gray. Her grandchildren were the lights of her life and she always looked forward to their conversations and visits.

In 1980, Marilyn published her first book Diary of a Divorced Mother and throughout her esteemed career, she published a total of eight books and appeared in over two dozen leading periodicals in the US and UK. Wanting to spread her wings as a writer and journalist Marilyn moved to London, England in her 30's. There as a newspaper editor she grew professionally and provided her sons with a priceless international educational experience. While living in London, Marilyn interviewed countless newsworthy people including Audrey Hepburn, Paul McCartney, Jane Seymour, Dudley Moore, Michael Caine and Joan Collins. After living in London for 5 years, Marilyn's diagnosis of Multiple Sclerosis brought her back to the United States where she settled in West Palm Beach, Florida where she lived for 35 years. Though wheelchair bound she continued to be amazingly social, productive and creative. She met and married Tony Fragiacomo and their home became a place for celebratory dinners, parties, brunches and gatherings. She often said those were the happiest years of her life. Their door was always open, and everyone felt welcome.

Marilyn had many talents. Author, editor, expert needlepointer, and hostess among them. But her most outstanding talent was friendship. Marilyn's friends became family. For many people Marilyn was the person to turn to when they were troubled and needed emotional support. Friends turned to her when they needed common sense advice and someone to listen with a nonjudgemental ear. She was loyal, funny, inspiring, consistent, and generous with her time. There was no better friend than Marilyn.

Sadly, MS does not discriminate. It's an equal opportunity destroyer. But somehow Marilyn was able to make a wonderful life filled with purpose, love and friendship despite having profound physical challenges. She often credited the quality of her later years to Ramon who she explained was her arms and legs as she directed the show. Ramon supported her for 24 years and was a loyal and doting caregiver.

Marilyn spent her life making other people's lives better. Anyone who met her left feeling better – and often became a friend. In many ways she taught us how to be a true friend and more importantly how to live life to the fullest.

Rest in peace Marilyn. Your achievements are an inspiration and your memory a gift.

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