Marilyn Rose Borden, beloved wife, mother, step-mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and friend to many,

died peacefully at her home in Landrum, S.C. on October 22 at the age of 82.
Marilyn was born November 24, 1929 in Dayton, Ohio to Robert and Margaret Mears. She was preceded in death by her parents; a brother, Richard; grandson, Nathan Layton; and step-daughter, Deborah Ann Gore.
Marilyn worked in real estate and at the former Good Samaritan Hospital, now Firelands Regional Medical Center, in Sandusky, Ohio. Marilyn loved to travel, was an avid gardener and an enthusiastic and talented amateur artist, leaving a legacy of many beautiful paintings with family and friends.
She is survived by her husband of 32 years Donald Borden; her four children: Rebecca (Pat) Goldson of Hamilton, Mont., Jonathan (Linda) Layton of Gahanna, Ohio, Tina (Richard) Braessler of Westerville, Ohio and Timothy Layton of Page, Ariz.; her two step-children David (Alexis) Borden of Las Vegas, Nev. and Barbara Borden of Louisville, Ky.; six grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. She is also survived by brothers, James (Joni) Mears and John (Judy) Mears of Sandusky, Ohio and, sister Doti Mears Turgeon of Arizona; and many nieces and nephews.
Marilyn performed in musical concerts all of her life and sang in groups at school, church, weddings and funerals. Marilyn sang in the choir of the First Congregational Church on Tryon for more than 20 years. Marilyn had a beautiful mezzo-soprano voice and performed everything from liturgical scores to Gilbert and Sullivan operettas. She assisted her husband Donald install many fine pipe-organs in Florida and Ohio.
Marilyn loved life and loved to laugh, and it is with the deepest sadness that we say goodbye. She had a deep and abiding love for her family and friends, and was a warm and loving wife, mother, grandmother and friend. We will all miss her and remember her with love, always.
A memorial service will be held at The First Congregational Church of Tryon at a later date.
Memorials may be made to Hospice of the Carolina Foothills, 260 Fairwinds Road, P.O.Box 127, Landrum, SC 19356,  864-457-9100.
An online guest register may be signed at www.PfeilFuneralHome.com.