Marilyn Kirkpatrick Aldridge

GARNER – Marilyn Aldridge died peacefully early Sunday morning, surrounded by the love of her family.  She overcame many odds as she battled pancreatic cancer for over three years.  During that time, she lived her life fully, enjoying time with family and friends. Rosa Marilyn Kirkpatrick was born in Burlington, NC to Mary Ina (Dismuke) and Henry Kelton Kirkpatrick.  She grew up on a dairy farm and loved to tell stories of her childhood.  She graduated from Southern High School in Graham, NC in 1967.  She got married in June of 1970 and followed her husband, Don, to San Diego, California where he was stationed with the US Navy.  Don and Marilyn, along with their new baby girl, Colleen, moved back to the east coast and settled in Garner, North Carolina when his service was complete.  There they had two more children, Freddie and Jeanette, and were married for 47 years at the time of her death. Marilyn earned a degree in Multidisciplinary Studies with an emphasis in Accounting from N.C. State in 1998, while working full-time.  She worked for the Internal Revenue Service for 38 years before retiring in 2015, after which she continued to help anyone with tax questions. As the pianist, Marilyn blessed the congregation of Saint Andrews United Methodist Church with her gift for 43 years.  She would often play special music for someone in the congregation because she knew they would enjoy it, or they needed to hear it. Marilyn enjoyed watching her children and grandchildren play sports and was known to walk the sidelines and cheer enthusiastically.  She was also known to be put in the penalty box occasionally during her beloved water polo games at the Rex Wellness Center, where she also did water aerobics until just a couple of weeks ago.  Marilyn loved her Wolfpack and was very passionate about all Wolfpack sports.  She was delighted to watch her ‘Pack beat Louisville last week. More than anything, Marilyn cherished her relationships with friends and family.  She was a great listener, was honest without ever being cruel, made everyone feel special, and went out of her way to be thoughtful and helpful. She is preceded in death by her parents, Kelton and Mary Kirkpatrick.  She is survived by her trophy husband, Don; her brother Hank Kirkpatrick (Kim); her three children: Colleen Minton (Keith), Freddie Aldridge (Amity), and Jeanette Balazsi (Imre); her beloved grandchildren:  Maddie, Colin, Georgia, Harper, Lila, and Briscoe; her best friend Lisa Anthony (Phil) and several nieces and nephews. Marilyn was so loved and will be missed by so many. Visitation with the family will be Wednesday, October 11, 2017 from 6:00-8:00pm at Bryan Lee Funeral Home in Garner.  A celebration of Marilyn’s life will be held at 1:00pm Thursday, October 12th, at Saint Andrews United Methodist Church in Raleigh. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Saint Andrews UMC Building Fund, 1201 Maxwell Dr., Raleigh, NC 27603. Arrangements by Bryan-Lee Funeral Home, Garner. Online condolences may be made at www.bryan-leefuneralhome.com.