Obituary of Marilyn J. Welles

Marilyn J. Welles, 98, died peacefully on November 18, 2024.  She was born in Urbana NY a daughter of Raymond and Mary Silvernail Burke.  Marilyn is predeceased by her parents, brothers, John Burke and David Burke, and her loving husband Thomas Welles.  She is also predeceased by grandson Brad Test, son-in-law Jim Sleeth, step daughter Linda Welles and first husband Bradford Shepson.

As a young adult, Marilyn was active in Little Theatre, volunteering in the Junior League and PAL, attending ball games at Dunn Field, and summers at Keuka Lake.

Marilyn was an avid reader, devouring several books a week during her lifetime.  This love of reading led her to spend fifty years of her life working in libraries.  She felt at home in the Steele Memorial Library, the West Elmira Library, and the Delaware County Community College Library, where she worked during her 15 years of life in Philadelphia.  During that time Tom and Marilyn shared a love of sailing on the Chesapeake Bay.  After retiring, she returned to Elmira and volunteered at the West Elmira Library, well into her eighties.

In addition to her love of books, Marilyn loved to needlepoint, and she created many beautiful pieces throughout the years.  Her pillows and pictures will continue to adorn the sofas and walls of her children and grandchildren, bringing fond memories of Marilyn, watching her beloved Yankees, while creating her latest masterpiece.

Marilyn’s greatest gift and source of joy were her children, Lynn Shepson, Joan Shepson Sullivan (Mike), and Paul Shepson (Jody).  Her 8 grandchildren and 11 great grandchildren brought much love and laughter into her life.  Marilyn is also survived by step children, Wendy Welles (Ralph), Tim Welles (Karen), Thomas Welles, and their children and grandchildren.

There will be no calling hours; a private ceremony for the family will be held at a later date. 

For those wishing to honor Marilyn, please consider donating to Woodbrook Assisted Living (ljamelski@woodbrookhome.com), where mom was surrounded by loving care for the last six years.