Marilyn Jean Ouimette

Marilyn Jean Ouimette, our dear mother, Nana, and friend, passed away peacefully in her sleep at home in Highland, Utah, on Saturday, May 30, 2026. Marilyn was born on January 11, 1935, in Springfield, Massachusetts, the youngest child of William O'Connor and Merle Carlyss Bissonett.

Marilyn lived in Springfield until age 17, when she flew across the country to visit her sister Barbara in California. Marilyn enjoyed the West Coast so much that she convinced her family to move there. She was introduced to Richard Ouimette, who instantly fell in love with Marilyn. He proposed on their second date and they were married on April 19, 1958, in Temple City, California. They raised their children-David, Karen, and Kimberly-in California, spending family vacations in the mountains, on the lake, and at the beach. When the children were teenagers, Marilyn went to work for Kennedy Insurance.

After David and Karen joined The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Marilyn had her own marvelous conversion experience, during a fireside presentation. Marilyn and Richard were baptized on Easter Sunday 1983 in San Jose, California. On April 28, 1984, they were sealed for time and all eternity in the Oakland California Temple. After Kimberly joined the Church, she was also sealed to her parents.

Marilyn was a wonderful mother, raising her children with great care and selfless sacrifice. She tirelessly served her husband throughout their marriage, as he had had polio as a child. She loved to gather her family at the dinner table for delicious and nutritious meals. She volunteered at elementary schools, most recently reading to young children. She had a passion for sewing baby-blessing dresses, blankets, clothes for the family, doll outfits, quilts, and tote bags as an act of love and service. Marilyn also had a good eye for aesthetics and excelled in interior decorating, including her flair for bling.

Marilyn loved serving in the temple, especially helping new brides-to-be prepare for their temple weddings. She also enjoyed teaching Primary children.

Richard and Marilyn lived their retirement years in Madison, Connecticut; Carson City, Nevada; and Highland, Utah. For several years, Marilyn hosted weekly family gatherings at her home in Highland. She also produced many a gourmet meal for family and friends. She loved her extended family, vacations in New England, Caribbean cruises, family reunions, and reminiscing about the past.

In retirement, Marilyn learned to play the piano from her husband. She enjoyed playing hymns and Primary songs. In recent years, she spent most evenings in pleasant conversation and games of Quirkle and Rummikub. Marilyn is survived by her children David (Deanna) Ouimette, Karen (Bruce) MacMaster, and Kimberly (Andrew) Golling. Marilyn's legacy lives on through her 21 grandchildren and 27 great-grandchildren, each of whom carries part of her vibrant spirit. She was preceded in death by her dear husband of 46 years, Richard Ouimette; her siblings Barbara (Gordon) Hall, William (Muriel) O'Connor, Michael (Jane) O'Connor, and Thomas (Charlyne) O'Connor; a grandson; and three great-grandsons.

Family and friends are invited to celebrate her remarkable life and share their cherished memories at a viewing on Friday, June 5, 2026, 6-8 p.m. at Anderson and Sons Mortuary in Highland. Funeral services for Marilyn Jean Ouimette will be held on Saturday, June 6, 2026, at 11 a.m. at the LDS chapel at 5848 West 11000 North, Highland, with a viewing at 9:45-10:45 a.m. Graveside services will be at the Highland City Cemetery. 

Marilyn will be greatly missed, but will forever remain in the hearts of her family and friends.