Obituary of Marilyn Fein

Marilyn Fein, a beloved daughter, wife, mother, grandmother and cherished friend, passed away peacefully in her sleep on January 17, 2026, just a week after celebrating her 96th birthday. Born on January 9, 1930, in Los Angeles, California, Marilyn's journey through life was marked by an unwavering dedication to the happiness and well-being of those she loved.

Growing up in Los Angeles, Marilyn was an only child raised by her mother who divorced when Marilyn was 12. Marilyn learned to be fiercely independent at a young age. She loved tennis and other sports and was very close to her two cousins. Marilyn graduated from Los Angeles High School where years later she would help organize class reunions.

Although she was admitted to UCLA, her heart led her down a different path when she chose to marry Charles Dorfman. Marilyn was a devoted mother and spent over twenty years raising her two sons, Don and Mark, in Southern California where she would spend most of her life. She divorced in 1967 and spent the next eight years as a single mother in Los Angeles. As a product of the Depression, she strongly believed in the importance of working hard and being independent, principles she instilled in her sons. Marilyn dedicated over 20 years as a cashier at the UCLA dental clinic, where her warm smile and positive disposition left an indelible mark on all who crossed her path. Her extroverted nature drew her towards social interactions, and she found immense joy in gathering with family and friends.

She met and married Leon Fein in the late 1980s with whom she found great joy and happiness. She loved socializing with friends and relatives, in particular weekly golf games. Her adventurous spirit carried her to far-off lands, exploring the richness of Europe, Southeast Asia, and Sub-Saharan Africa. She shared many vacations with her husband Leon as well as with her sons and grandchildren. With the passing of Leon in 2003, she moved to Laguna Woods in California and spent more time with her children and grandchildren (Casey, Toby and Max). Marilyn made a point of being part of her grandchildren's lives. She continued her interest in travel, including joining family trips to national parks in the US, Alaska as well as to Europe, Africa and Central America. Marilyn had a lifelong love of fishing which started along the California coast and was also able to fish with her grandchildren in the lakes and streams of the Sierras.

Being such an extrovert, the isolation of Covid was difficult for Marilyn. She moved to Annandale, Virginia in 2021, only 10 minutes away from her son, Mark and his wife, Jill. Although she struggled with dementia, Marilyn was able to see Mark every day or two (with many rounds of Gin Rummy), and enjoyed birthdays and holidays with family. Every day until her last she was blessed with a positive, happy disposition -- something that endeared her to her caregivers, friends and loved ones.

Her proudest accomplishments were her roles in helping others -- as a devoted daughter, as a friend and supporter of her beloved husband, Leon, and as a mother to her two sons, Mark and Don. Marilyn's selflessness was seen through in every aspect of her life, taking great pleasure in nurturing and providing for others.

Marilyn leaves behind a loving legacy, including her sons and grandchildren. Her vibrant spirit, love for life, and devotion to those she held dear will forever echo in the hearts of all who knew her. The memory of mother, grandma and friend, with her kind heart and joyful presence, will be celebrated and cherished.