Marilyn Engel

Forever in our thoughts, always in our hearts.

Obituary

Marilyn Louise Engel (née Gehrsitz), born February 14, 1933, in Brooklyn, New York, passed away peacefully on February 8, 2026.

Marilyn spent most of her younger years in Queens, New York. After graduating high school, she began modeling and pursued a professional career in dance. Her talent and
dedication led her to sign with the Rockettes, and shortly thereafter she accepted an offer to become a Roxyette at the famed Roxy Theatre in Manhattan. She also performed in Boston at the Latin Quarter and the Paramount Theater. Her years on
stage reflected the grace, discipline, and high standards she carried throughout her life.

At the age of 12, Marilyn met the love of her life, Robert William Engel. Their young friendship eventually blossomed into romance. They became engaged while Robert was
stationed in Germany during the Korean War and were married on June 21, 1953. They shared 47 beautiful years of marriage before Robert’s passing in 2000.

Later in life, Marilyn worked primarily in office positions, choosing roles that allowed her to focus on what she considered her most important job — raising her family. She was a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother who took great pride in her home and in those she loved. A true perfectionist in everything she did, Marilyn approached life with determination, elegance, and quiet strength.

Marilyn had a deep love of reading and could often be found with a book in hand. She also had a lifelong love of music — especially contemporary music — always staying current and surprising those around her with her modern tastes. Her curiosity and
youthful spirit remained with her throughout her life.

She was predeceased by her beloved husband Robert William; her parents, Louise and Peter Gehrsitz; and her brothers, Robert and Warren Maurus.
Marilyn is survived by her children Robin, Diane, Nancy, and David; her grandchildren Erica, Adam, Zacharias, Jason, Lily-Anne, Michelle, Lisa, Vasco Jr., Andrew, Aaron, and Luke; and her great-grandchildren Casey, Corey, John, Gabriella, Jamie, Liam, Logan,
Ella, and Paxton. Her legacy lives on in each of them.

Marilyn will be remembered for her grace, her strength, her unwavering devotion to her family and the vibrant, youthful spirit that never left her.

A memorial service will be held at Community Presbyterian Church on March 7, 2026, at 11:00 am.

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