Marilyn Theresa (Abalan) Duffy, born October 20, 1934 in Duluth, died April 3, 2012 in St. Paul, Minnesota.
After graduating from the U of MN (Duluth), Marilyn taught English and drama at Holy Angels Academy and Duluth East High School. She won acclaim for her acting at the U of MN (Twin Cities), U of MN (Duluth), the Duluth Playhouse, and the Grand Marais Playhouse, which she helped found in 1971.
At St. John’s Church in Grand Marais, she served many years as the Director of Faith Formation and Youth Ministry, lector, and Eucharistic minister.
She also served on the Duluth Diocesan Education Commission, Spirit Valley T.E.C., and chaired MCCL of Cook County. At St. Mary of the Lake (White Bear Lake), Marilyn served as lay presider, lector, Eucharistic minister, and Befriender. She conducted word communion services weekly at the Arbors and the White Pines. Marilyn loved cooking and entertaining her family weekly with lavish Lebanese dinners.
She was ardently devoted to her family, but above all else, she loved God.
Marilyn was preceded in death by her parents, Philip and Margaret Abalan, and brother Philip.
She is survived by her husband, Bill; sons Michael (Thuy) and Patrick (Katie) and grandchildren Connor, Brandon, Justin, Will, and Keira; brother Bill Abalan (Barb) and sister Kathy Abalan of Duluth, and aunt Alice Stenger as well as many nieces, nephews, and cousins throughout the U.S.
Mass of Christian Burial was Tuesday, April 10, 2012 at St. Mary of the Lake Catholic Church. Interment was at Annunciation Church Cemetery – Hazelwood near Northfield.
Mueller Lake Mortuary, 651-429- 4944, muellermemorial.com
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