On August 19, 2024, surrounded by her loving family, Marilyn peacefully transitioned to her heavenly home.

She was born and raised in Winchester, VA, where she later became the first female president of the TAC, the local teenage club. A 1965 most popular graduate of John Handley High School, she moved on to become a member of the first class for Operating Room Technicians in 1966 from Winchester Memorial Hospital. After working at this hospital for a short time, the beach and music began to call her. Following her work week, Marilyn and a carload of friends headed to Virginia Beach for weekends of music and partying.  It wasn’t long before she was uprooted.

In Va Beach she went to concerts in the evening and then worked the night shift at a beach restaurant.

Still not sure, she came back to Winchester to scrub for a new thoracic surgeon. Marilyn enjoyed this work but “the beach’ was calling her.

Returning to Virginia Beach, she would join the VAB General Operating Room staff as a Certified Surgical Tech. Furthering her career, she became a Certified Surgical Assistant to work in Virginia Beach General’s Operating Room and Ambulatory Surgery Center, also known as VABASC and later for New Hope Center, involving fertilization procedures. One of her last endeavors before retirement was teaching OR techs to care for new mothers going through C-sections or Labor & Delivery at Sentara Princess Anne Hospital.

Using her skills, personality, and charm, Marilyn was often the planner of social activities such as picnics, softball games, Christmas parties, and other holiday luncheons. The surgeons would request to have her assist them because of her knowledge and sunny disposition. They enjoyed fishing trips, the beach, going to the movies, concerts, and many happy hours. This bonding made friendships that lasted forever.

When Marilyn wasn’t working, she enjoyed traveling. She visited Cyprus, Rome, London, Hawaii, Las Vegas, Alaska, Yakima, Ireland, and many others.

Marilyn was preceded in death by her father, Elwood W. O’Hara, Sr.; mother, Mary G. O’Hara; and brother, Elwood W. O’Hara, Jr.

She is survived by her brother, Joseph “Joe” O’Hara (Diane); sister, Bonita ‘Bonnie” O’Hara; nieces and nephews: Heather O’Hara, Joshua O’Hara, Michael O’Hara (Shelley), Kelly Shaffer (Donnie), Elwood “Woody” O’Hara III; sister-in-law, Vicki O’Hara; and a host of cousins and loving friends.

A Celebration of Life will be held for Marilyn on Thursday, October 10, 2024 from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. at Shorebreak Restaurant located at 2941 Shore Drive, Virginia Beach, VA 23451. Please bring any pictures or memories to share.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can made to Marilyn’s family for upcoming expenses.

Marilyn, we will always carry your memory and love in our heart.