Marilyn Willoughby, 81, Loved Island Way of Life

Marilyn A. Willoughby, a resident of Windemere Nursing Home, died Monday, Nov. 8 from natural causes. She was 81.

Mrs. Willoughby was the widow of Douglas G. Willoughby. Marilyn was born on April 30, 1923 in Provincetown, the daughter of Albert H. and Henrietta M. (Bangs) Twite.

Marilyn loved her Island home and it is there that she and her sister, Fran, met Douglas and his brother, Kendall, two Edgartown boys with strong family ties dating back to the 1800's. The two couples fell in love and were married and started families of their own. Both couples spent the rest of their lives on the Vineyard clamming, quahaugging, scalloping and surf fishing.

Marilyn's love of fishing and the Vineyard beaches had a strong impact on her sons that survive her, Paul Willoughby of Edgartown, Philip B. Willoughby of Falmouth and Leo A. Willoughby of Edgartown. She is also survived by several grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews, all of whom will greatly miss her loving ways.

A memorial service for Marilyn will be held on Saturday, Nov. 20 at 11 a.m. at the Faith Community Church in Edgartown. Rev. Kenneth Campbell will officiate and following the service a reception will be held at the home of Paul and Melissa Willoughby on 89 13th street in Edgartown. Donations may be made in her memory to Windemere Nursing Home, P.O. Box 1747, Oak Bluffs, MA 02557. Arrangements are under the care of the Chapman, Cole and Gleason Funeral Home.