Marilyn A. Hill, age 89, died on September 18, 2021, in Jenkintown, Pennsylvania. She was born on November 17, 1931, in Pottsville PA to Miriam Young and John Ashton.
Marilyn was a strong woman and lived life with zest. Her biggest passions were family, friends, politics, and animal welfare. She is predeceased by her husband Judge Louis G Hill, with whom she shared 35 years of marriage, love, and travel. They toured 36 countries and shared many adventures together.
With her first husband the late Edwin G. Young she has three daughters: Melissa Ashton Young, Michelle Peretz (Amiel) and Anita Young, and a beloved predeceased son, Edwin Germaine.
Marilyn was loved deeply by her nine grandchildren; Eric Rauscher, Stefanie Curry (Tad), Devon Lach (Kirk), Stahsha Lach, Taylor and Dylan Peretz, Ashton and Jake Dobson and Anthony Young (predeceased). She also has five great grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.
Inspired by John F Kennedy and Martin Luther King, Jr., Marilyn got involved in local politics and social activism. She became a Democratic committee woman.
She then got her undergraduate degree from Antioch College later in life and her graduate degree from Temple University, which led to a successful career in public administration and politics. She ran for PA State Legislature and was the first women to run and win a state-wide presidential campaign in Hubert Humphrey’s 1972 presidential primary race. Humphrey once said “there is no doubt that Marilyn is a superb organizer and has a great political mind.”
Her love of animals inspired her to volunteer and become a docent at the Philadelphia Zoo. She served several terms as the President of Docent Council. Working with the Philadelphia Zoo to advocate for animals was a very important part of her life.
Marilyn will be remembered for her love, laughter, devotion to her family and compassion for those in need. She will be missed by all who knew and loved her. Service will be private. In lieu of flowers contributions can be made on behalf of Marilyn to Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation. www.crohnscolitisfoundation.org/donate <http://www.crohnscolitisfoundation.org/donate> Condolences may be made at: www.mcgoldrickfh.com <http://www.mcgoldrickfh.com/>