It is with heavy hearts and profound sorrow that we announce the passing of Marilyn Young, a beloved mother, grandmother, friend, and longtime resident of Tucson, Arizona. Marilyn tragically lost her life on July 30, 2025, following a two-vehicle collision on North Fountains Avenue. She was 88 years old.

In Loving Memory of Marilyn Young
September 1, 1936 – July 30, 2025
Tucson, Arizona

It is with heavy hearts and profound sorrow that we announce the passing of Marilyn Young, a beloved mother, grandmother, friend, and longtime resident of Tucson, Arizona. Marilyn tragically lost her life on July 30, 2025, following a two-vehicle collision on North Fountains Avenue. She was 88 years old.

Marilyn’s sudden and heartbreaking departure has left an immeasurable void in the lives of all who knew her. A woman of quiet strength, grace, and unwavering love, Marilyn touched countless lives throughout her nearly nine decades on this earth. Her passing was not only a personal tragedy for her loved ones but a great loss for the Tucson community that she had been an integral part of for so many years.

Born on September 1, 1936, Marilyn was a child of the Great Depression, raised with values of resilience, humility, and compassion. She grew up in a time that demanded strength and perseverance—traits that would come to define her character for the rest of her life. Whether navigating life’s personal hardships or supporting her family through challenges and triumphs, Marilyn’s resolve never wavered.

She moved to Tucson as a young woman in search of new beginnings, and it was here that she built a beautiful life full of meaningful connections and treasured memories. Marilyn worked for over 30 years as a school librarian, where she nurtured young minds and encouraged a love of learning and literature. Many of her former students and colleagues fondly remember her as the gentle voice that guided them through childhood with kindness and patience.

A devoted mother and grandmother, Marilyn’s greatest pride was her family. She raised her children with love, wisdom, and a deep sense of purpose, and her grandchildren remember her as their steady rock—the one who always made birthdays special, who showed up to every recital, game, and graduation, and who never let them leave without a warm hug and heartfelt words of encouragement. To her neighbors, she was the kind soul who greeted everyone with a smile, the first to offer a hand in times of need, and the heart of every gathering.

Marilyn loved simple pleasures—tending to her garden, curling up with a good mystery novel, baking her famous lemon bars, or taking walks through her neighborhood, waving to everyone she passed. She believed in the beauty of a well-written letter, the joy of old songs, and the importance of making people feel seen and loved.

The tragic accident that claimed her life came as a shock to everyone who knew her. On what began as an ordinary afternoon, Marilyn was involved in a two-vehicle crash on North Fountains Avenue. Despite the best efforts of first responders, she passed away at the scene. The news of her untimely death has been devastating, casting a shadow of grief over her family and the many people who were fortunate to call her a friend.

Marilyn leaves behind a family who adored her deeply—her three children, seven grandchildren, two great-grandchildren, and numerous nieces, nephews, and extended family members who will miss her dearly. She is also survived by a loving community of friends and neighbors who will remember her warm heart, quiet wisdom, and enduring generosity.

A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, August 9, 2025, at St. Michael’s Episcopal Church in Tucson, beginning at 11 a.m. Family and friends are invited to come together to honor her memory, share stories, and find comfort in the legacy she leaves behind.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly asks that donations be made in Marilyn’s name to the Tucson Public Library Foundation or Arizona’s Children Association, causes that Marilyn supported passionately throughout her life.

Though her earthly journey has ended, Marilyn’s spirit lives on—in the pages of the books she shared, in the blooms of her garden, and in the hearts of every person she loved. May she rest in peace, and may her memory be a blessing forever.