Our beloved Marilynn Raymond Vannucci ("Babe") passed away peacefully on November 9 at home surrounded by family.

Marilynn will be remembered as an extraordinary and devoted mother, wife, grandmother, godmother, aunt, sister, and friend.  She was the most positive, fun-loving, and good-hearted person you would ever meet.

Marilynn was born in Davenport, Iowa and grew up in Naperville, Illinois, a small town outside of Chicago with her four siblings, Dolores ("Pudge"), Barbara ("Barby"), James ("Jimmy"), and Robert ("Bobby"), and parents, Robert and Mae Raymond.

Marilynn graduated from Clarke College in Dubuque, Iowa.  She began her professional career working in hospitality management with ARA Food Services in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.  She became the vice-president for health care services and was named by Business Week as one of the top 100 Corporate Women in 1976.  While working at ARA, she met her husband, Joseph Vannucci.  After they were married, Marilynn and Joe settled in Bethel, Connecticut where they raised two daughters together, Kathleen ("Katie") and Maureen ("Molly").  Marilynn became a stepmother to Joe's sons, Joseph Jr. ("Joey") and Todd, and loved them as if they were her own.  Marilynn began a second career in real estate after the girls were born.  She became the owner of Davis & Hoyt Real Estate located in Danbury and Bethel, CT.

Marilynn was an active member of the Bethel community and always believed in giving back.  She served as a member of the St. Mary Parish Council and was always active in St. Mary Parish, St. Mary School and Immaculate High School whether it be fundraising, supporting the sports teams, or serving on advisory councils.  She also served for many years on the board of Catholic Charities.

When Marilynn and Joe both retired, they moved to Pipers Landing Golf & Yacht Community in Palm City, Florida.  Marilynn and Joe basked in the Florida sun and worked on their golf game while building an amazing group of friends in their community.  These friends have become second family.

From an early age, Marilynn developed a great love of horses and trail riding.  Marilynn did 18 years on the Illinois 100 Mile Trail Ride and 35 years on the 4-J Big Piney Trail Ride.  Just like how her father passed on the love of trail riding to her, she passed that love on to her daughters, Katie and Molly, who continue the family tradition of trail riding.

When Marilynn moved to Florida, she immediately got involved with the Equine Rescue and Adoption Foundation ("ERAF") as a volunteer.  She served on the Board of Directors for many years and worked tirelessly to help horses in need.  Even after she was diagnosed with cancer, she continued to serve as a Board Member Emeritus.

Marilynn leaves behind her husband of 44 years, Joseph, and their children, Kathleen ("Katie") and Maureen ("Molly) Vannucci, stepsons, Joseph and Todd Vannucci, daughters-in-law, Mary Vannucci and Marguerite Smith, grandchildren, Michael, Colin, and Joseph Vannucci, 6 great-grandchildren, sister, Barbara Jansz, brother-in-law, Tom Jansz, brothers James and Robert Jr Raymond, brother-in-law, Michael Marusha, sister-in-law Camila Zayac, nieces and nephews, James Robert Jr. Raymond, Nancy Creel, Sue Bentlage, Mary Pat Marusha Martin, Theodore Zayac ("Teddy"), Diane Zayac Pachucy, Mary Rose Zayac Hurst, Theresa Zayac, Daniel Zayac ("Danny"), Michael Zayac, Kathleen LaRussa, Ann Zayac Tomaszewski, Joseph Zayac, Julie Zayac Pritchyk.  In addition, she leaves behind many other family and friends too numerous to list.  She was preceded in death by her granddaughter, Francesca Maria Vannucci, and her sister, Dolores Marusha ("Pudge").

Marilynn is the best example of a life well-lived.  She will forever be known as a wonderful mother and wife and a loyal and devoted friend and family member.  Her mark on life is the immeasurable differences she made helping those in need and always bringing her positive attitude, grace, and laugh.

There will be a celebration of life and funeral at a later date in Bethel, CT and in Palm City, FL.

In remembrance of Marilynn, and in lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Equine Rescue and Adoption Foundation ("ERAF") of Palm City, Florida. https://www.eraf.org/donations/donationform/ .

Marilynn will remain forever in our hearts.