Marilyn was born in Norfolk, VA to Donnan and Hazel Martin on November 28th, 1955. She was a student at Tatnall School in Wilmington, DE, a private school that she got a scholarship to attend. She then went on to graduate with Honors from Princeton University in the class of 77'. Upon receiving her Bachelor's degree, she moved to New York City where she left her mark as an artist. In the early 80's she made her way to the desert where she lived in El Paso, TX as a resident artist for a brief period of time. She eventually made her permanent home here in Las Cruces, where she worked at NMSU as the Director of the Student Computing Lab. In 1989, she met her husband, Steve McGee, who she married in 1990. In 1993, their daughter, Charlotte McGee was born. Nine months later, she was diagnosed with Leukemia, an extremely rare form of cancer. After 3 years of treatment, she was finally able to beat the Cancer and go into remission. Needless to say, nothing could stop her.  

Marilyn was a regular at The Bean in Mesilla and loved to hang out with her coffee crew in the mornings. As a beloved member of Jewell's of the Desert, she danced with her heart and soul. Marilyn was also a strong advocate for La Casa and Benzodiazepine recovery and was an active volunteer in her community.  

She will always be remembered for the loving and loyal friend that she was. Her zaniness, spontaneity and unique infectious energy will be missed. She was a fearless survivor who never let her illness define her; who always remained upbeat and never cared what people thought. She was looked up to by many and her infinite courage and strength was an inspiration to everyone around her. She was "one in a million."  

Marilyn is preceded in death by her sisters Judith Martin and Nancy Martin, and her mother Hazel Martin.  

Marilyn is survived by her husband, Steve McGee, her daughter, Charlotte McGee, her sister Suzanna Martin and her father, Donnan Martin.