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Marilynn Jean Berlon, of Buford, Georgia, passed away peacefully, surrounded by family and friends on December 18, 2022.
Born in Cleveland, Ohio on November 10, 1938, to Joseph and Helen Evanko, Lynn was preceded in death by her parents, infant sister, Judy, and brothers-in-law Hank Berlon and Louis Pecek.
Lynn leaves her beloved husband of 63 years, Robert (Bob) Berlon; children Kevin Berlon (Mary jo); R. Scott Berlon (Amanda); Susan Beers (Randy); Karen Loyd (Dave); David Berlon (Ann Berlon); Sharon Sills (Jim); Jim Berlon (Lisa); John Berlon (Lila); Susan Koziol; grandchildren Renee Berlon; Allyson (Dave) Richer; Anna Berlon; Zachary (Amanda) Berlon; Caleb Berlon; Emily Beers; Maria (Bobby) Ryan; Kerri Loyd; Joshua (Alicia) Loyd; Nathan (Alexa) Sills; Jessica Sills; Jacob Sills; Matthew (Dakota) Berlon; Claire Berlon; Joseph Berlon; great-grandchildren Noah Richer and Myles Richer; sisters-in-law Mary Ann Pecek and Cheryl Berlon, and a host of Bugos cousins. She also leaves behind a network of friends including her Anam Cara (soul friend) Mike Coughlin and his family, the Laubenthal family and others from the Dillon State Park summer vacations, and members of their Emmaus community.
Lynn graduated from Lourdes Academy in Cleveland, OH, but it was in Kindergarten at Incarnate Word Academy that she legendarily crossed paths with the eventual love of her life, Bob. Lynn’s advocacy for those marginalized by society intensified in the late 1970s as she and Bob opened their home to form a Faith and Light community which embraces those adults with developmental disabilities and their families and friends by fostering friendship, prayer, celebration, and sharing. From that connection, and with the support of the University of Dayton’s Office of Ministry and Religious Education Services (MORES) and their FACES clown ministry club, Lynn formed a mime troupe of adults with developmental disabilities to perform an award-winning short-stage adaptation of Shel Silverstein’s popular children’s book, The Giving Tree. She believed in living in the NOW, and that we are all lovable and capable. Known for her baked goods and willingness to attempt new recipes, Lynn and Bob briefly turned their skills into a holiday catering business for several years.
Interment will be private, but a celebration of life will be planned for the Spring. The Berlon family extends much gratitude to Dr. Jordan Duhon & Dr. Madhurima Adulla and all staff at Northside Hospital Gwinnett for their compassion and kindness. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Lynn’s name to L’Arche Atlanta, PO Box 2359, Decatur, GA 30031.
Teri Sherron says
Dear Berlon Family,
It is often hard to find the right words at a time like this, especially during the holiday season. You have my deepest sympathy and my heart goes out to you at this difficult time. Wishing you all peace, comfort, courage, and lots of prayers during this time of sorrow.
Martin says
Sadness, my heart is broken. A wonderful
Women with a heart that overflowed with love. Give me parents a big hug and kiss when you see them in heaven. You will live forever in my heart and mind.. Peace.
NANCY L.( BUGOS) SIMON says
IT WAS MY PRIVILEGE TO GROW UP BESIDE MARILYNN EVANKO BERLON AS LIKE A YOUNGER SISTER…..SHE WAS BORN IN 1938 AND I IN 1941. WE PLAYED PAPER DOLLS TOGETHER AND SPENT A LOT OF TIME TOGETHER IN OUR GROWING UP YEARS. SHE WAS A STRONG INFLUENCE IN MY LIFE IN MANY WAYS. BOTH SHE AND COUSIN VIRGINIA (ON MY MOTHER’S SIDE OF MY FAMILY) ATTENDED LOURDES ACADEMY BEFORE ME. LYNN OR LYNNE AS SHE CAME TO BE CALLED GRADUATED FROM LOURDES IN 1956 AND I IN 1959. I RECALL OUR FAMILY VACATION TOGETHER WITH AUNT HELEN AND UNCLE JOE AT ATWOOD LAKE AND A TRIP TAKEN WITH THEM TO THE FORD MUSEUM AND INTO CANADA TO SEE NIAGARA FALLS…..SO MANY STORIES I COULD TELL OF OUR GOOD TIMES SPENT TOGETHER…..
DEAREST MARILYNN MAY YOU REST IN HEAVEN NOW WITH YOUR DEAR PARENTS AND THE MANY RELATIVES WHO PRECEDED YOU THERE!
Kerri says
What wonderful memories of Mrs B. What an example she gave all of us. I’ll always cherish the friendship between our families and the joy and laughter shared over the years. My mom, Mrs B and Mrs C were such dear friends. I know they are sitting together in heaven, with cups of tea, and holding court. We could hear their laughter 10 cabins away in Dillon, and if I try, I might just hear it coming down from heaven. All my love to the Berlon clan.
Beth says
I am so sorry for your loss. I treasure the memories I have of her snd the family. I am deeply grateful for all the help and support you all have my father. She was a treasurer to her community.
Bob Berlon says
To all who responded with love and compassion, I offer my deepest gratitude and love.
Bob Berlon
The Griffiths says
Mrs. B left an indelible mark on our family. Her kindness, thoughtfulness, and sense of humor will always be remembered by us. She was always the first to reach out when we celebrated life events, and the first to reach out when we were going through hard times. She made the world a better place. We will celebrate her through stories, and with our actions as we live our NOW. My heart is with all the Berlon’s and all of her friends.