Marilyn Thompson McDermott

Marilyn McDermott, 85, died on Saturday August 16th at her home in Chandler AZ.

She was born September 13, 1939 at the Lewis Maternity Home in Faith, South Dakota – the daughter of Faith pioneers Blanche and Odin Thompson.

Marilyn attended the Faith schools, graduating FHS in 1957. She went on to earn her RN/BSN degree from South Dakota State University in 1961. She even rode a cow as the College of Nursing’s representative in the annual college rodeo.

Marilyn’s nursing degree took her to the VA hospital in Denver CO and then into the Friendly Skies as a United Airlines Flight Attendant based in San Francisco, CA where she met and married fellow UAL employee Al (Mac) McDermott. The McDermotts moved to Fresno, CA, and then Kailua (Oahu) Hawaii where Marilyn continued her 30 year nursing career mostly at Castle Memorial Hospital. Mac and Marilyn retired to Arizona in 1993.

After Mac’s passing in 2002, her continued love of hiking, biking and travel led her to meet and marry Charles Mathias. Marilyn and Chuck spent 16 years together exploring Arizona’s Valley of the Sun and the world (she bicycled in 13 countries). Chuck passed in 2022.

Marilyn had many hobbies and interests but family was always #1. She was the archivist of family history and photos, world traveller, the home team’s biggest fan and a dedicated volunteer for many organizations like the Ocotillo Women’s League. She loved hiking, biking, reading, and playing mahjong with friends.

Marilyn was predeceased by husbands Mac McDermott and Chuck Mathias, parents Blanche and Odin Thompson, brothers Cullen and Carv Thompson, and children Mark and Molly Lei McDermott.

She is survived by sons Dave (Pam) Skowhegan ME, Mike (Julie) in Bath ME, and Matt (Chloe) in Kailua HI, stepdaughter Christina (Ken) Senoia GA, and son-in-law Austin in Austin TX – 9 grandchildren (Mindy, Melisa, Marylena, Kean, Liam, Clay, Odin, Lily, and Ciara) and 3 great-grands (Clara, Vivian, and Hazel).

Services to be held in Kailua, Hawaii at a future date.

Donations in Marilyn’s memory can be sent to:

Faith High School Alumni Scholarship Fund

P.O. Box 181

Faith, SD 57626