Marilyn J. Gano

Marilyn J. Gano, age 94, of Wilmington, DE, passed peacefully on Friday, February 23, 2024, at her home with her youngest son, John, by her side.

Born in Chicago in 1929 to Clarence and Dorothy Walseth, they soon moved to Richmond, VA, where she was raised. Marilyn (Lyn) graduated from Thomas Jefferson High School in 1949. She attended Mary Baldwin College in Stanton, Virginia where she earned a B. A. in Sociology in 1953. She married Robert (Bob) D. Gano in Richmond VA in 1953 in their home church. They moved to Wilmington in 1954 where Bob worked for Dupont Chemical Company and moved into a post-World War II suburban ranch home and raised 4 boys. They were active in their church Calvary Episcopal where Bob had been attending, and the community, and their boys’ schools.

Lyn and Bob were members of Calvary Hillcrest where they faithfully served for many years. She held most every job there including church secretary and office manager but most enjoyed placing flowers on the altar. She was always known as a kind and thoughtful person who would do any job needed. After her boys left home, she had several jobs beginning with Dr. Harry Repman where she was an office manager and later working as a school librarian at Mount Pleasant Junior High School.

She was adventurous and went many places before and after Bob retired. They loved cruises on smaller ships exploring the waterways of the St. Lawrence River, Alaska, Netherlands, Cabo San Lucas, and many other places. The family camped all over the country and she would cheerily share long rides with car full of loud boys. She was fond of saying – “if you’re going somewhere, my answer is YES”.

Lyn will be remembered for her beautiful smile, her loving nature, and willingness to help anyone in need. We believe she’s dancing with her family in her spiritual body right now.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Clarence and Dorothy Walseth, her husband of over 50 years Robert Gano, Sr., and her son Richard Gano.

She is survived by her sons, Robert Jr., (Donella), James (Mary Ann), John Gano, and her daughter-in-law Elizabeth, as well as 11 grandchildren, Dr. Daniel (Jessie) Gano, Dr. Kari (Darren) Winfrey, Michael Gano, Natalie Gano, Grant Gano, Matthew Gibson, Patrick (Sarah) Gano, Alanna (Shane) Martin, Eric (Magen) Gano, Lily (Joshua) Scruggs, and Olivia Gano, and 10 great grandchildren.

A memorial service will be held on Sunday March 10, 2024, 3 pm at Calvary-Hillcrest Episcopal Church, 304 Lore Avenue, Wilmington, DE 19809. Donations to Calvary Episcopal in her name will be especially appreciated. Marilyn’s family would like to extend their gratitude to Vitas Hospice and Visiting Angels for their excellent help and care.