Born August 7, 1946 in Mount Vernon, New York
Departed April 20, 2024 in Melbourne, Florida
Marilynn Collins, passed away on April 20, 2024, in Melbourne, Florida, at the age of 77.
She is lovingly remembered by her husband Craig L. Collins, her devoted children Keith Collins, Meredith Palmer and Lauren Platt, her sons-in-law Timothy Palmer and Joshua Platt, and grandchildren Jordan, Mackenzie, Colin, Davis and Brooks, her brother, Herbert Keck Jr., and nephews David, Paul, Jon, Eric and Drew and niece Kiersten.
Marilynn was preceded in death by her father, Herbert Keck, her mother, Alice Keck, her sister-in-law, Robin Keck, parents-in-law Edward and Elloise Collins and sister-in-law Sandra Littleton.
Born Marilynn Alice Keck on August 7, 1946, in Mount Vernon, New York, she grew up in Pleasantville, N.Y. She was a graduate of Pleasantville High School and the University of Massachusetts at Amherst, where she received a degree in psychology in 1968.
Following graduation, Marilynn met Craig during an extended trip to Hawaii, and they married in 1969. They moved to Satellite Beach in 1972, where they raised their family.
Marilynn was an active member of the Space Coast community. She was a founding member of the Brevard Zoo following years of volunteering with the East Coast Zoological Society (ECZS) to help create a world-class community-built zoo. She handled publicity for the organization, which led to her becoming the new zoo’s marketing director after it opened in 1994. Marilynn was also known for her work with the League of Women Voters of the Space Coast, where she served as a board member and was a past president. She also volunteered with Rolling Readers, and served as an area director for the South Patrick Residents Association.
Marilynn enjoyed spending time with her family and loved being a grandmother. She was a lifelong fan of nature, and traveled to many places across the country and around the world with her family and friends.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Brevard Zoo, the ECZS Aquarium Project, the League of Women Voters or Rolling Readers.
A Celebration of Life to honor Marilynn’s memory will be held at the Brevard Zoo, 8225 N. Wickham Road, Melbourne on Friday, July 19, at 5 p.m.
15 entries.
Cherlyn Margy
from Melbourne wrote on July 19, 2024:
Marilynn was a client of mine for 34 years. We saw each once a month and shared so many stories ❤️ I miss her so much
Dave Sinton
from Melbourne Village wrote on May 26, 2024:
My wife, Brigitte, was treasurer of League of Women Voters of the Space Coast working closely with Marilyn. I enjoyed chatting with Marilyn while we waited for her
to finish negotiations withe vent venues.
Patsy Carpenter
from Satellite Beach, Florida wrote on May 20, 2024:
I am saddened to hear the news of my dear friend Marilyn’s passing. We first met when her son Keith and my son Brian were in the same Kindergarten class at Holland Elementary in Satellite Beach. Those boys became fast friends, and Marilyn and I enjoyed volunteering together. Years later I had the privilege of teaching Keith in the gifted student program at Holland, and also taught Meredith in 3rd grade. Of course I knew Lauren also, and Marilyn and I shared pictures of our grown children and grandchildren when we ran into each other in the grocery store. She was very proud of them, as I am of mine. I will miss this sweet , kind and caring friend. My deepest sympathy to Craig, Keith, Meredith and Lauren, and the grandchildren who will no doubt miss her too.
Fred & Melanie
from Palm Bay wrote on May 17, 2024:
Thinking of the entire family with heartfelt condolences. So very sorry for your loss.
Fred & Mel Karstens
Betty Lou Steen-Clarke
from Melbourne Beach, FL 32951 wrote on May 8, 2024:
Marilynn,
My beautiful, kind and understanding friend. I will miss our long talks.
Will never forget your lovely smile. Nor will I forget you❤️
Joanne Twombly
from Arlington ma wrote on May 7, 2024:
Craig, thinking of you often these days. Crazy how fast life changes. I’m so glad we had that lovely time to spend with you both in Florida!
Kay Elliott Burk
from Viera wrote on May 5, 2024:
Marilynn was a kind, gentle, generous and thoughtful friend and neighbor. She was a great asset to every organization to which she belonged. It was my honor and privilege to get to know and work with her in her various activities over the years. Please accept my deepest sympathy in your great loss. Her loss is sad news for so many in our community. Peace and Solace to all.
Bob & Pat Pascazi
from Melbourne wrote on May 3, 2024:
We are devastated by your loss. We share your grief and tears. Our thoughts and prayers go out to your family. We have wonderful memories of our friendship. Marilynn was a wonderful wife, mother and grandmother. She will be greatly missed.
Richard and Theresa Briel
from Palm Bay wrote on May 3, 2024:
Our most deepest sympathy to you, Craig and your family.
Marilynn will always be in your heart and memories.
We will always be reminded of her graciousness since her Theresa shared the same birthday. We will have the continued reminder of what a wonderful person she was.
Marilza Novaes-Card
from Indialantic wrote on May 2, 2024:
It is impossible to put into words how much I already miss my dear friend Marilynn. We shared so many wonderful moments as friends and volunteering in our community. She was always a friend I could count on.
I offer my condolences to Craig, her children and their family. My thoughts are with you.
The De Luca Family
from Port Orange wrote on May 2, 2024:
She seemed like such a fascinating woman and way ahead of her time! What a beautiful and inspiring life she lived!! We extend our deepest condolences to all of you.
Ronald L McDonald
from Melbourne wrote on May 2, 2024:
My deepest sympathy to Craig and family.
Jim Platman
from Melbourne wrote on May 2, 2024:
Our deepest condolences and thoughts are with you and family.
Jim and Gina
Patrick.matchette
from Palm bay wrote on May 2, 2024:
Condolence from matchettes
Nick and Anna Lenoci
from Valkaria wrote on May 2, 2024:
Marilyn has left an immeasurable hole in so many hearts and our community. Our hearts go out to Craig, Meredith, Lauren and Keith and the entire family.
She will be remembered with so much love
Born August 7, 1946 in Mount Vernon, New York