Obituary: Marilyn Joan McDaniel, 86, Of West Haven

WEST HAVEN, CT — (From West Haven Funeral Home): Marilyn Joan “Grammy” McDaniel, 86, of West Haven, passed away at home with her family by her side on February 17, 2023. She was the loving wife of the late Leroy (Butch) McDaniel.

Marilyn, the youngest of 11 children was born October 3, 1936 in New Haven, daughter of the late John and Elizabeth Downes. She is survived by her children, Leroy (Butch) McDaniel Jr. of New Haven, Cheryl (Edward) Jennings of North Haven, Maureen (Michael) Celone of Madison, Kevin (Mary) McDaniel of West Haven, Melanie (Dan) Lambert of Middletown, Dawn McDaniel (Scott Raffone) of Madison, Eric McDaniel of West Haven, and her son-in-law Thomas Lawrence Sr. of West Haven; her 18 grandchildren and 8 great grandchildren. Marilyn was predeceased by her daughter Marilyn Lawrence and her siblings John, Carroll, Vernon, Earle, Tracey, Lauren, and Duane Downes, Elenore Mezzanotti, Roberta Morgan and Elizabeth Gorman.

Marilyn was born into one of the first deeply-rooted West Haven families. They lived on Beach Street and she would remind everyone how Stowe’s used to be her father’s garage. She experienced a lot in her lifetime. The impact of the Great Depression, having the first mastoid surgery ever performed in Connecticut, and three of her brothers fighting in WWII.

In high school she fell in love with Butch where they attended many dances. She was the President of the school’s Art Club and was a baton twirler before graduating with the West Haven High School class of 1955. Marilyn began her employment at Shartenberg’s Department Store in New Haven before working at Southern New England Telephone Company.

Prior to Marilyn’s retirement, she was a secretary at West Haven High School where she was known as “Grammy” to both students and staff.

Marilyn was a member of the West Haven Board of Education, West Haven Irish-American Club, she held past positions of Office with the West Haven Yacht Club Women’s Auxiliary, West Haven Junior Women’s Club, and the American Cancer Society. In addition, Marilyn coached Girls’ Little League Softball. She also enjoyed playing Bingo at the Italian American Club in her later years.

Marilyn loved to share stories of growing up on the beach at Savin Rock, where she never missed any of the Midget Stock Car Races. She continued her love of racing by attending NASCAR events and enjoying her senior years going to the casinos with her friends and family.

As a devoted mother and grandmother, Marilyn could also always be found at ballfields, hockey rinks, school concerts, and dance recitals. As for her children, she walked before them to set as an example. As teenagers, she walked behind them to be there should they need her. As adults, she walked beside them as a friend to enjoy life together.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Connecticut Hospice Home Care in Branford, CT.

For more information and to leave online condolences, visit West Haven Funeral Home here.