Marilyn Ann (Martin) White

Marilyn A. White
Oct. 8, 1939 - Nov. 28, 2017

Marilyn Ann White (Martin) passed away on Tuesday, Nov. 28, peacefully in her sleep. She was born October 8, 1939, in Durango, Colo., to Donald Thoburn and Cynthia Lois Martin. Marilyn was a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and aunt. Marilyn was raised with her six siblings - Colleen Miszkiel (surviving) and Byron Asa Martin, Robert Erskin Martin, Donna Lee Hare and Lou Ellen Wernert (all deceased). She was raised as the baby of the family and her siblings all doted on her. She was raised on a farm outside Bloomfield with 2 rooms and an outhouse. The running joke was she was the lucky one because she was the only sibling still living in the house when they got an inside restroom. Marilyn was always close to her siblings and family dinners were a regular occurrence with lots of laughter, stories and knee slapping. The siblings remained close throughout the years and one of the favorite family gatherings was July 4th on the farm. For the majority of their lives they lived near each other and they left a legacy of cousins who are still close and appreciate the beauty of the farm and the ruggedness of Bloomfield and the surrounding area. Marilyn met John White when she was 19 years old on a blind date and it was love at first sight. They were engaged within 2 months and married on July 18, 1959. They were married for more than 58 years. John moved to New Mexico from Texas and fell in love with her and her family. They stayed in New Mexico until 1983 when they were transferred to El Paso, Texas. The years in El Paso were great years spent supporting her husband and ensuring that the household operated without a glitch. Marilyn was a fiery and spirited mom who loved her kids selflessly. When John retired from El Paso Natural Gas they returned to New Mexico and bought a home in Farmington. They continued to spend time at the family farm outside Bloomfield gardening and helping to preserve the homestead. They were actively involved with Meals on Wheels, their grandkids in Dallas and Farmington and their immediate family. Life was filled with trips to Texas to visit the grandkids and participate in family reunions. She helped start the Red Hats organization and enjoyed attending these events and spending time with her sister Colleen and their friends. Over the last few years, John struggled with Parkinson's disease and Marilyn found a new purpose caring for him. If possible, their relationship became even closer and they spent their days together in quiet amicability. When he passed in April 2017, Marilyn was lost. Because of her tenacious nature, she resumed her daily activities and was comforted knowing that one day they would be together again. Today, she is holding hands with her sweetie ready to celebrate their first Christmas together in heaven with their parents and siblings - and all of those who went before them. She is survived by her son Brian White and his wife Tina, her daughter Kelly White and her husband Frank Copertino, her daughter Jennifer Sherman and her husband Tom. She is also survived by 4 precious grandchildren Meghan Sherman, Thomas Sherman, Asa White, Zane White, as well as her sister Colleen Miszkiel and numerous nieces and nephews across the country.
Visitation is today, December 3rd from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at Brewer, Lee and Larkin Funeral Home, 103 East Ute St., in Farmington. Graveside services are Monday, December 4th at 1:00 p.m. at Memory Gardens Cemetery, 6917 East Main St. in Farmington with her son-in-law Tom Sherman officiating. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Randy Roberts - MIBBSA, 1607 N. Cochiti Ave., Farmington, NM 87401. Marilyn's care is entrusted to Brewer, Lee and Larkin Funeral Home, 103 East Ute Street, Farmington, (505) 325-8688. Those who wish to share condolences with the family may do so at www.serenityandcompany.com