MARILYN ATKINS

Marilyn Atkins, passed away after a battle with dementia on November 26, 2025 in Henderson, Nevada. She was 91 years old.

She was born and grew up in Middle Village, Queens, New York raised by her paternal grandmother after losing her mother at age six. She spent summers with her grandmother, sister and brother at the family's bungalow near the beach in Rocky Point, Long Island, New York.

After marriage she moved to East Northport, Long Island, New York where she raised her family of four children of her own Karen, Ed, Steve and Brian. She had a loving and caring heart, opening her home to provide foster care for a fifth adolescent child, Richie.

She was a longtime employee of start-up pool liner and pool toy company, Swimline, where she was the first Office Manager and Bookkeeper for the rapidly growing company.

Outside of work she supported all her children's sports and activities and was always there to cheer them on.

She loved performing in community theater and received many accolades over the years for the various roles she played. She was drawn to comedic roles as she could adlib the funniest facial expressions.

After retirement in 1999 she relocated to Sun City MacDonald Ranch in Henderson, Nevada and proceeded to live a life filled with many community activities.

She continued her involvement in local theater groups as well as tap dancing with the MacTappers. She was the founder and twice Queen of the Foxy Ladies of MacDonald Ranch Red Hat Group.

She somehow also found time to volunteer at the Clark County Museum, do fund raising for Henderson Theatre of the Valley, as well as other community organizations. She enjoyed traveling and visiting her children and grandchildren.

She is survived by her four children, Karen (Gary) Braglia of NY, Ed (Chris) Zalewski of Arizona, Steve Zalewski of Las Vegas and Brian (Susan) Zalewski of NY; 10 grandchildren, 9 great grandchildren, many extended family members, and her long time caregiver Emmy Vyning.

In addition to her parents and two siblings, Lorraine O'Toole and Charles Lutz, she was pre-deceased by her husband, Irving Atkins. Also pre-deceased by the father of her children, Edwin Zalewski, and her son Steve's wife, Linda, as well as 2 nephews, Joseph and Dennis O'Toole.

A memorial gathering will take place at a later date.