The Marilyn L. Duckro Foundation

In memoriam of Marilyn L. Duckro. 
June 27, 1947 - January 12, 2018

Proceeds will go towards cancer awareness and Lymphoma & Leukemia society

------
My Beautiful Wonderful Angel
From Bill Duckro

In the winter of 1963, my sister Mary was waiting for her boyfriend, Jerry, to arrive. Jerrys was bringing his sister Marilyn and her date John, this was a double date. 

I was upstairs at our parents' home when I heard the front door open I went downstairs to see who was there. I saw Jerry, John, and my sister Mary. As I got to the bottom of the staircase I saw the most beautiful woman I had ever seen in my life.  Marilyn was exquisite, I fell in love with her at that moment. As introductions were made and I shook hands with her an electrical surge went through my body. I could tell Marilyn was someone far out of my league. 

As they all went to the front door and said their goodbyes I remember thinking only of her. I could not stop thinking about this beautiful vision. Unfortunately, I would not see her again until months later when Jerry and Mary announced their engagement.

There was a large family gathering at her home, it was very traditional. Music was playing, pleasantries were exchanged, some planning was discussed and both sets of parents decided to go sit at the kitchen table to finalize things. 

The Righteous Brothers song "Soul & Inspiration" was playing and Marilyn and I danced together for the first time. I could not believe how right it felt to have my arms around her.  At that very moment, I knew that she was my soul & inspiration. Marilyn and I started dating and fell madly in love with one another. 

Things started to become difficult as both sets of parents were against our relationship. They figured that is Marilyn & I had any relationship issues it would affect Mary & Jerry. Nothing either parents could say or do would stop us from falling more in love. I did not have access to a car so I would walk the 10 miles, sometimes in the freezing Ohio ice and snow, just to be with her for a few brief moments. The parents finally realized that we were truly in love. 

Mary & Jerry were married in 1965, Marilyn and I married 2 years later in 1967.  We have two sons, Adam & Eric, and a 5-year-old granddaughter, Hannah. 

In the 52 years, we shared my wife and I have never had an argument, she is the best part of me. 

Several months ago a friend said to me, "Wow, you two have been married for 50 years. You have probably seen and done everything. You have seen hopes and dreams, ups and downs, laughter and tears."
I replied, "Counting the 2 years that we dated, Marilyn and I have been together for 52 years. I have only cried 4 times about my wife.

The first time was when she was diagnosed with uterine cancer.

The second when a blood-clot went into her heart.

The third was when she had a stroke. 

And the last was when she was diagnosed with leukemia. 

When Marilyn was finally told that she had leukima she only had a few simple requests
She did not want to have chemo."I don't want to have sores all over my body and be in constant pain. I want to go home for what little time I have left and die peacefully."

I responded "Even though every cell in my body is screaming "NO" I will make sure you wishes are carried out. 
For all our lives we have wanted to go together, but I must admit to you that lately I have been praying that if that cannot happen, I want the lord to take you first because I cannot bear the thought of you missing me.
I love you my Angel"

My beautiful wife was sedated a lot to manage the pain.   One day when only she and I were in the room, She said "I want to thank you for telling me that the other day, what a gift you gave me because now, I don't have any fear" Marilyn passed away at home and I was by side.

Marilyn was a remarkable woman who loved whole-heartedly and gave joy to everyone and I will love her forever.
Marilyn L. Duckro 06/27/47 to 01/12/18