Marilyn Olson White, known as “Nana” to all who loved her, passed away peacefully while surrounded by loving family on September 30, 2023 at age 90 from complications of Multiple Myeloma. She was a resident of Ivy Gables Senior Living in Wilmington, DE.
Marilyn was born on April 23, 1933 in Chicago, IL to Eugene and Mary Marchand. She married Arthur E. Olson in 1955 with whom she had four children. After Arthur’s passing in 2002, Marilyn married Bruce White in 2004. They were married until his passing in 2021.
Marilyn worked at the University of Delaware library from 1970 to 1995 when she retired. She loved the beach and being near the water. Over her life she lived on the Chesapeake Bay, as well as in Rehoboth Beach, and Lewes. She was an avid reader, enjoyed gardening, knitting, and shopping, but most of all she loved spending time with all of her grandchildren and great grandchildren. She was the matriarch of our family. A strong, independent, kind, and thoughtful woman who instilled the importance of family and love in all of us. She will be dearly missed.
Marilyn is survived by her children, Lynn Morgan (Thomas), David Olson (Sherryl), Margaret Vavala (Donald), and Katherine Kuhns (MItchell); many grandchildren and great grandchildren; as well as by her sister, Judy Marsolek (Morris); and her brother, William Marchand (Chris). She was predeceased by her husbands, Arthur Olson and Bruce White; her parents, Eugene and Mary (Deeley) Marchand; her sister, Eleanor McBride; and her brother, Eugene Marchand Jr.
A funeral service will be held at 11am on Monday, October 16, 2023 at Trinity Episcopal Church located at 1108 North Adams Street Wilmington, DE 19801. A luncheon will follow in the Parish Hall. Interment will be held privately at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations in Marilyn’s memory can be made to The Friendship House, Inc., P.O. Box 1517 Wilmington, DE 19899.
