Marilyn Greene

Marilyn Greene passed away suddenly on February 4th, just weeks after entering Clifton Springs Nursing Home, having bravely battled Alzheimer’s disease for more than 7 years. She was cared for with much love and devotion by her eldest daughter, Heather, for over 4 years, allowing Marilyn to enjoy those years in the comfort and familiarity of her own home, where she continued to find joy in daily life.

Marilyn was born in Corpus Christi, Texas on Feb. 22, 1944, to Commander R. Carleton "Curly" Greene, U.S. Navy (Ret.), and Grace Catherine Hellyar Greene. The family soon moved to Avon and then to Geneva, where they remained for many years. Marilyn graduated from Geneva High School, where she was a majorette in the marching band and sang in the Trinity Church choir. Her lifelong love of music continued at Alfred University, where she performed in the Concert Choir and participated in the World’s Fair in NYC. She went on to work in several hospitals and offices as a medical transcriptionist, a role in which her precision, dedication, and genuine interest in understanding complex medical diagnoses earned her the deep appreciation of colleagues and physicians alike.

Marilyn approached life with a positive outlook and a wonderfully unique sense of humor. She delighted in sharing “punny” jokes, effortlessly brightening any room with her quick wit and infectious laughter. Strong-willed and independent, she was equally known for her gracious nature, pleasant demeanor, and ever-present warm smile.

Marilyn was married to John Stephens for some 20 years, with whom she had four children. While raising her family, she pursued countless pastimes: sewing, knitting, crocheting, quilting, leatherwork, spinning wool, classical music, shopping, ice skating, racquetball, sailing, and even raising goats—one memorable incident involved a delivery person mistaking them for free-ranging Dobermans, much to everyone’s amusement.

In 1972, she took an active role in building the family home, designing floor plans, laying and staining wood floors and walls, constructing Z-batten doors, and making the house uniquely hers—a source of great pride.

The daughter of a career Naval officer and an educator, Marilyn cultivated a lifelong love of learning and reading, filling her home with a wonderful library. She cherished time spent in solitude, fostered a deep love of nature and treasured spending time at her family’s hunting cabin in the Adirondacks. These passions she fostered will be carried forward by her descendants for generations to come.

Later in life, Marilyn returned to school, obtaining her master’s in psychology from Hobart and William Smith Colleges and her PhD ABD (all but dissertation) in counselor education at Syracuse University. She then devoted many years to the Family Counseling Center in Geneva, helping children and adults navigate the challenges of domestic violence and sexual abuse. This work reflected her deep compassion and commitment to others—a true passion of hers.

A kind hearted soul, she was deeply cherished by many who ensured she was cared for in her home and afforded the dignified life she so deserved.

Marilyn is survived by her children: Heather and husband Francesco Tangredi, Craig Stephens, Merritt Stephens and partner Raymond, David Stephens; her former husband John Stephens and wife Lorraine; brothers Kirk Greene and Brenton Greene and wife Debra; grandchildren Nicholas Tangredi and wife Sanja, Stefania Grace Tangredi and fiancé Davide, Karissa Morris (ne Woznick), Kyle Woznick and fiancé Madeline; as well as great-grandchildren Kaiden, Aleira, Luke, and Francesco, Jr. She was predeceased by her parents, her brother Craig Greene, and many aunts, uncles, and cousins, along with several beloved fur babies, especially Lily.

A sincere thank you goes to Jamie, BJ, Dawn & others for the love, care, and support given to our beloved Mom and to our family. We wouldn’t have been able to take care of her in such a great way without you and will never forget your affection for our family. It really made a meaningful difference in our lives.

We also thank the staff of ElderOne day center in Newark and the Clifton Springs nursing home for their services and assistance.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Alzheimer’s Association or a dementia research organization or animal rescue of choice. A Celebration of Life service will be held in the spring.