Marilyn Carnes

Marilyn Carnes passed away on April 24, 2018 surrounded by her children. Her soul immediately entered the Kingdom of Heaven. Born Mary Frances Leach on August 17, 1926, she was “Marilyn” to her late parents James and Marie (Greulich) Leach and eldest of her sisters Susan Tann (surviving) and Joan Manuella (d. 2014). Marilyn was also predeceased by her husband Douglas (‘83) and her son, Douglas Jr. (’96).

                Marilyn’s surviving family includes Deborah McMahon (Tom), Carol Przybycin (Frank), Charles Carnes (Debby), Patti Vendetti (Chester), and Kristin Talarico (Tommy). She was the best mom in the wide world.

                She was Shudda and Gramma to Jeffrey Jones, Amy Jones Angelone, Matthew and Michael Przybycin, Sarah Carnes, Chetty Vendetti, Barbara Braud, Joe Vendetti, Laura Kindle, Lindsay Vendetti, Chuckie Carnes, Dan McMahon, Tiggy McLaughlin, and Jonathan and Harrison Talarico. She Great Gramma to Julie, DJ, Mya, Mason, Katie, Xavier, Sebastian, Dougie, Haley, Santiago, Xander, Jonah, Terry, Luca, and Justin Francis.

                Marilyn cherished her many cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends.

                Marilyn worked as administrative assistant to the principals in the Villa Maria Academy office, and following in that capacity at Kim Kraft Printing to its presidents. Marilyn was organist at St. Andrew Church, her lifelong parish, throughout semi and retirement years. She was as much a support as any pillar in that house of music and prayer. She was loved by everyone.

                Marilyn played the trombone at Strong Vincent. All Hail! Piano, accordion, and guitar rounded out her repertoire of instruments mastered. She was one of three trombonists who accompanied Mario Lanza in a 1945 Erie Philharmonic concert. Marilyn went on to share her musical talents in Erie Playhouse productions and as guitar and accordion teacher to Erie’s Sisters of the Divine Spirit and she privately taught aspiring musicians in her home.

                Marilyn’s family extends heart felt gratitude to her many home care givers and most recently to those at St. Mary’s Asbury Ridge.

                Friends and family are invited for visitation at Quinn Funeral Home, West 9^th and Liberty Streets, Friday, April 27, 2018 from 3:00 pm to 8:00 pm and are invited to attend Prayer Services there Saturday at 12:30 PM followed by a Funeral Mass at 1:00 PM in St. Andrew Catholic Church. Burial to follow at Calvary Cemetery.

                In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the AIDS Healthcare Foundation in memory of Marilyn’s beloved son, Douglas Jr.