Marilyn A. Franklin

Marilyn (Leach) Franklin passed away peacefully on June 19th, leaving behind a legacy of compassion, service, and unwavering devotion to her family, her profession, and those whose lives she touched.

Born and raised in Omaha, Marilyn attended Minne Lusa School before graduating from North High School in 1956. She pursued her calling in nursing by attending Omaha University and the University of Nebraska School of Nursing before earning her Master of Science in Nursing from the University of Oregon. She continued her education through graduate studies at the University of Washington and the University of Utah.

Marilyn dedicated her professional life to caring for others. Her career included roles in pediatric nursing, open-heart intensive care, rehabilitation, long-term care, and nursing education. She served patients at Doctors Hospital, the University of Wisconsin Hospital, and St. Vincent Hospital in Portland, Oregon, before spending many years teaching medical-surgical nursing. As an Assistant Professor at the Methodist School of Nursing in Omaha, she helped prepare generations of nurses before retiring in 2003.

While nursing was her profession, teaching was truly her life’s work. She believed deeply in education, perseverance, and leading by example. Those lessons extended far beyond the classroom. As a mother, Marilyn dedicated herself to raising her two children, Renee and Neal, becoming their first and most important teacher. She challenged them to work hard, think independently, and believe in themselves, while quietly sacrificing so they would have opportunities they might not otherwise have had. She consistently placed the needs of others before her own, giving selflessly to her family without ever seeking recognition.

Marilyn found joy in life’s simple pleasures. She loved reading mystery novels, gardening, sewing, embroidery, cake decorating, candy making, working puzzles, and playing cards—especially Bridge and Liverpool Rummy. She enjoyed spending time with family and friends and remained active in her faith throughout her life. She will also be remembered for faithfully sitting beside family members and friends during times of illness, offering comfort, prayers, reassurance, and the simple but profound gift of being present.

Marilyn was preceded in death by her parents, Ruth and Rudy Leach, and numerous beloved cousins.

She is survived by her daughter, Renee Franklin; her son, Neal Franklin; her sister, Mary Pirtle; along with many cherished cousins, extended family members, dear friends, former colleagues, and former students whose lives were enriched by her kindness and example.

The lessons Marilyn taught—in the classroom, around the kitchen table, at a hospital bedside, and through the example of her own life—will continue to guide all who were blessed to know and love her. Her legacy is not only found in what she accomplished, but in the countless lives she shaped through her compassion, generosity, faith, and unwavering love.

A private celebration of life will be held for family and close friends. Memorials may be directed to any of the following: NE Humane Society, Open Door Mission, Food Bank of the Heartland, Salvation Army, Boys Town, or Paralyzed Veterans.