Marilyn Cox

Marilyn Butcher Cox

Died September 8 at Westland House Hospice in Monterey after a 10-year battle with multiple myeloma. It came just one day after her 51st wedding anniversary with her husband Lee who was at her side. She was 71.
Besides Lee, she leaves her two sons, Doug and Mike, their wives, Almita and Eden, and her four grandchildren, Riley, Rachel, Kevin and Ryan.
She was predeceased by her mother and father, Marion and Roy Butcher of San Jose, and by her younger sister Nancy. She will be greatly missed by her brother-in-law George and his daughters Jennifer and Melissa.
Marilyn was born and raised in San Jose. She met her husband Lee in Sunday school when she was seven and he was eight. After dating in high school and college, they were married after Lee graduated from San Jose State University in 1963.
The next year Marilyn also was graduated from SJSU and began a career as a social worker, first in Oakland and later San Jose. Marilyn became a full-time mom after Doug was born. Then came Mike, and once both boys were in school, Marilyn began a 40-year career as a volunteer. Her favorite jobs were at Good Samaritan Hospital in San Jose, Planned Parenthood in Contra Costa County and the last 15 years at Community Hospital of the Monterey Peninsula (CHOMP).
Marilyn and Lee retired to Carmel Valley in1997. In 2008, they moved to their current home in Carmel-by-the-sea.
During her long battle with multiple myeloma, Marilyn was upbeat, optimistic, and exceedingly brave. Her friends called her a role model for anyone who suffers from cancer. In fact, she did not appear to suffer. She loved the last part of her life, watching her sons and grandchildren mature into fine human beings. She also helped raise Abby, a perpetually friendly and hungry Chocolate Lab who predeceased her in January.
Marilyn was a kind and thoughtful person who always had a big smile, an infectious laugh and a devilish sense of humor. Although her family and friends have wounded hearts, they soon will be healed by happy memories.
At Marilyn's request, no funeral services will be held. Contributions in her memory can be made to CHOMP (www.chomp.org/donate) or to the SPCA for Monterey County (www.spcamc.org/donate/).