Marilyn Tomlinson (July 09, 1938 - March 11, 2024)

In loving memory of
Marilyn Tomlinson
  • July 09, 1938
  • -
  • March 11, 2024

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Obituary

Ever the adventurer, Marilyn truly relished every moment of life, from travel to foreign lands (Africa, Egypt, Israel, Trinidad, Peru/Amazon, and many more), to hanging out right here at home with her many friends, Disney co-workers, and family.

She was always ready for the next experience from various local festivals, attractions, Disney events (Mickey Not-So-Scary Halloween Party, Night of Joy, Flower and Garden and Food and Wine Festivals, Tour de Turtles) to parades. She loved parades her whole life but her absolute favorites were the Electric Light Parade and the Villains Parade at Disney.

Working at Disney for 31 years and at Animal Kingdom since Opening Day, she was so very proud to be part of the Disney Conservation programs and made many, many friends while working there, both guests and coworkers. She truly loved her job educating guests about conservation and our eco-heroes and spending time with the goats and sheep (she was nicknamed the goat-whisperer) which was the highlight of her day.

Marilyn passed away at home on March 11th 2024.
Her positive light and love will be deeply missed as she is off to the next adventure… Until we meet again!

Note: In lieu of flowers a contribution may be made to one of her favorite charities:
• The African Wildlife Foundation
• Center For Great Apes
• Sea Turtle Conservancy
• Proyecto Titi (cotton top tamarin project)
• or The Disney Conservation Fund


Tribute Wall

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  1. Jo says:
    22 Mar 2024
    I am so blessed of knowing you 26 years of my life. Working side-by-side every day, writing out hurricanes together and sharing boys stories lol. Thank you for letting me call you mom and thank you for considering me like a daughter. You are always in my heart, to the moon and back .

  2. Nati Hall says:
    17 Mar 2024
    Maralyn was such an inspiration to me to live life to its fullest amount of joy. Every time I spoke with her, I felt my day made to be an even better day. I am so grateful I had the privilege of working with her. I treasure the memories!

  3. Paul Lindeman posted an image:
    16 Mar 2024
    With the children of Los Limites Colombia. Thank you for the memories.
    With the children of Los Limites Colombia. Thank you for the memories.

  4. RickKemp says:
    14 Mar 2024
    I was lucky enough to work with Maralyn at Animal Kingdom. We worked the same shift and days off for over 20 years. She always had great adventures and stories. I became part of her adventures, from our trips to Colombia and Trinidad to our sea turtle sitting at Vero Beach every year. Thank you for being a great friend. You will be missed.

  5. Nancy Maynard says:
    14 Mar 2024
    Sharon, I have been thinking about your Mom’s visits to Delaware when you lived here. Also, our trip to Disney and your Mom guiding us through all the parks, and especially introducing us to all her goat kids. Many great memories and good times! A life well lived!

  6. Lori Montgomery says:
    14 Mar 2024
    Earth lost a lover of adventure and storytelling. Mom, you lived your life with exuberance, always looking for the next exciting moment no matter how small. You loved relating these experiences and the knowledge gained to anyone ready to listen; and you never met anyone you couldn’t talk to. You are missed by so many.
    I’m sure you will be following my adventures and I will always remember that “the bread’s good”. I’m sure by now you have tasted the BEST bread ever on your GREATEST adventure ever. See you when I get there! Lori

  7. WILLIAM H MILLER AND STAFF says:
    14 Mar 2024
    We all have missed her since she moved from the Kissimmee area. All of us enjoyed her visit with us. Always bubbly, sweet and kind. Enjoy all the memories she gave all of us. What a a wonderful person. Let's hope a few goats greeted her in this new journey.

  8. Jennifer Carrero lit a candle:
    14 Mar 2024
    Lit since March 14, 2024 at 3:04:01 AM

  9. Christy Conk says:
    13 Mar 2024
    A wonderful passionate lady that will be missed by the goats and the humans. Your love will live on within all the lives you have touched.

  10. Liz Onoyan posted an image:
    13 Mar 2024
    Disney’s Vero Beach Sea Turtle release.  Visiting Maralyn as she was babysitting the turtles before their release time.
    Disney’s Vero Beach Sea Turtle release. Visiting Maralyn as she was babysitting the turtles before their release time.

  11. Dianne L White says:
    13 Mar 2024
    Marilyn and I grew up together from the age of 5 when we met in kindergarten. Together, we went to school. sang in the church choir and joined girl scouts. We played and got in trouble, together. We always kept in touch with one another even when life sent us in different directions we still got together whenever possible. We had 80 years of friendship and I couldn't have asked for a better friend. I will never forget the good times and always remember her energy, spirit and friendship. My deepest condolences to Sharon, Lori and her extended family.

  12. Liz Onoyan lit a candle:
    13 Mar 2024
    Lit since March 13, 2024 at 3:49:49 PM

  13. Anne Savage says:
    13 Mar 2024
    Marilyn had such energy and enthusiasm! Her dedication to sharing her passion for conservation and her ability to share stories that touched your heart was truly inspirational. She was always ready to tackle a new adventure whether it was a trip to Colombia or turtle sitting on the beach. Her spirit lives on in all of us who have been honored to call her our friend. We will miss that wonderful smile that greeted us each and every day.

  14. Katie Rhoades says:
    13 Mar 2024
    I adored Marilyn and her inspirational spirit. I loved hearing her tell stories that usually either left me cracking up or in true awe of the life she lived. I’ve missed her so much since she left Disney. I will continue to look at the “Marilyn on a stick” I have hanging in my office that we took to the first Tour de Turtles without her and smile because I had the great pleasure of knowing her. In my mind she was the conservation storytelling GOAT. Sharon and Laurie, thank you for sharing your mom with so many of us. She was always so proud when she talked about you.

  15. Heather Worley lit a candle:
    13 Mar 2024
    Lit since March 13, 2024 at 3:21:15 PM

  16. Heather Worley says:
    13 Mar 2024
    I didn't know Marilyn for very long, but one thing is for sure I loved seeing her passion and love for Animals at Rafiki's Planet Watch especially the goats!! I always heard how much she loved being with the goats in the petting yard!! I love hearing about her beautiful stories from her closest friends/co-workers!! Whenever I think of Marilyn, I'll always picture her loving on the goats!!

  17. Walt Swartz says:
    13 Mar 2024
    In 1954-55 Marilyn and I were teenagers in love. Life took us on differing routes. I remained in touch with her Uncle Buck, which in later years reconnected us via email. Marilyn and her family were so great in so many ways and all are missed. I learn of Marilyn's passing with heavy heart but also am grateful that I was contacted and informed. Thank you, Sharon. Free Spirit is free indeed. Please know I feel for all who feel her loss.

  18. Jo Schwab-Haust posted an image:
    13 Mar 2024
    Jo & Marilyn
    Jo & Marilyn

  19. LaCheryl says:
    13 Mar 2024
    My deepest condolences to the family and friend of Ms. Marilyn. I pray for strength and comfort in the days ahead. I have fond memories of Ms. Marilyn. I shared time with her at Rafiki’s Planet Watch as a Disney College Program Intern in 2003 and I remember her wonderful soul, passion, and commitment. My heart breaks to hear of her passing and I am thankful to have crossed paths with such a GEM in this lifetime. Rest In Peace Ms. Marilyn <3.

  20. Leanne Toohey posted an image:
    13 Mar 2024
    You will be deeply missed Marilyn. Thank you for being my friend and for your wonderful stories
    You will be deeply missed Marilyn. Thank you for being my friend and for your wonderful stories

  21. Kim Easley says:
    13 Mar 2024
    I only got to meet her once while visiting my Grandpa Don Bohnwagner, but loved her spirit. I am so grateful for the happiness she brought Grandpa in the short time they knew eachother. That speaks volumes about her!

  22. Judy Klimm says:
    13 Mar 2024
    From the first day I started at Rafiki’s Marilyn took me under her wing and taught me everything I needed to know, especially all the goats names. She even spent the night at Old Town and had dinner with my family. She was an amazing woman and I will miss her very much.

  23. Alex McMichael says:
    13 Mar 2024
    I will always cherish her passion for making a difference for the planet and the fun stories she would tell.

  24. bruce sabin says:
    13 Mar 2024
    I will truly miss her we had so much fun together. working at Conservation Station, traveling the world together. Marilyn gave me so much and helped me for many years we were together. I will cherish the photos of our trips all over the worlds

  25. J. Holmes says:
    13 Mar 2024
    Marilyn was the most amazing woman with so many wonderful tales of her adventures. I'm so fortunate that I got to be part of one of her adventures. I will miss hearing her tell stories of her travels. I will always remember her as a friend that I truly cherish.

  26. Sharon says:
    13 Mar 2024
    Thanks for all the many adventures and wonderful memories together mom. I am grateful to have been your daughter.
    My heart is broken but looking forward to the day we meet again.
    Sharon Tomlinson

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