Marilyn Ann was born on November 4, 1950 to Cornelius and Gladys Blackburn. She was the second-born after her sister Carolyn.

Marilyn attends grammar school in Parkchester, Bronx, NY.

As a member of The Organization of Triangles, a youth organization, Marilyn was elected to serve as Beloved Queen, leader of her local chapter.

Marilyn, an early artist, began attending The High School of Art & Design in Manhattan.

With friends, Marilyn experiences the 1964 New York World's Fair, an international exposition at Flushing Meadows - Corona Park in Queens, New York. Photo shared with Marilyn on Facebook by Catherine Lehmkuhl Miller.

At 15 years of age, Marilyn meets her future husband, Ed, at a dance.

On most days after school, Marilyn and Ed would meet at the 59th Street train station under Bloomingdale’s and take the train home to the Bronx together.

At the Waldorf Astoria, Marilyn takes Ed to her high school prom.

Marilyn graduates from The High School of Art & Design in Manhattan.

Marilyn Ann Blackburn married Edward William Olsen in Bronx County, New York. The reception was at the Port Authority building where the 1964 World's Fair was.

While attending Pace University, Marilyn works in the library. Years later, she learns that her son's father-in-law, Dan, worked in the mail room at Pace at the same time. Small world!

This year Marilyn and Ed take their first international trip beginning a 50-year adventure of visiting 29 countries, some of which they visit more than once!

Their greatest joy came into her life when she delivered Keith.

Continuing her art education, Marilyn attends Pratt Institute, takes classes at The Arts Students League, and attended the School of Visual Arts.

Marilyn and Ed buy their first home in Throgs Neck, Bronx, NY.

Yeehaw! Ed and Marilyn enjoy a halloween party at their friend's.

Proud parents on their son's day of confirmation.

Marilyn building a deck on the weekend house in Harpersfield, NY. 

Clowning around at an open house for the Crayon Box Nursery School which Marilyn founded.

How to get to Carnegie Hall? Have a talented son who plays 1st saxaphone in the New York Youth Symphony!

Marilyn and Ed have dinner and a show. Dinner at the Rainbow Room and front-row seats to see The Lettermen. Many years later, they again have front-row seats to see them at Norfolk, CT's Infinity Hall where they are recognized by the band!

The home in South Bronx was heavily damaged. The December 1992 Nor'easter was a historic, slow-moving storm that struck the Northeast US from December 10–12, causing roughly $1–5.7 billion in damage, destroying hundreds of homes, and causing 19–20 deaths. It featured hurricane-force winds up to 90 mph and record tidal flooding that devastated coastal areas from New Jersey to Massachusetts.

Becoming Nutmeggers. Marilyn and Ed buy a home in Kent, Connecticut. Pictured here in 2000.

To celebrate Ed's 50th birthday, Marilyn and Ed go to Richard Petty's Driving Experience. Ed got the whole experience. Marilyn was treated to being a passenger driven by an expert.

Enjoying the mother-son dance at Keith and Janine's wedding in 2003.

Marilyn maintains friendships for life. Here she is with Joan with whom she'd been friends since elementary school.

Ed and Marilyn purchase land in Cornwall Bridge, Connecticut. Their architect son, Keith, begins designing their log home.

Marilyn tests the new fireplace.

Marilyn and Ed move into their log house built in Cornwall Bridge, Connecticut.

For a few years, Marilyn had been participating in the local annual Art at the Dump and was mentioned in John Miller's article in the Cornwall Chronicle: "In past years my particular weakness has been the animals made from recycled paper and cardboard by Marilyn Olsen, and my collection of Olsens now includes a giraffe, cat, dog, rhino, zebra, and cow." 

Marilyn stands next to a Danish Royal Guard in Copenhagen, Denmark.

Always the artist, Marilyn sketches while on her cruise ship room balcony.

While dining in Olso, Norway, Ed takes a picture of a beautiful seafood meal capturing Marilyn's expression about it's $250 per plate cost. 

Marilyn interacts with and rides horses as a part of her multiple sclerosos therapy at Gunn Brook Farm.

The grand opening of The Spotted Dog Gallery at their Cornwall Bridge, CT home and an article in Lakeville Journal!

Marilyn Olsen won second with “Puppy,” a papier-mâché dog. Read about it at the Lakeville Journal.

2012 travels take Marilyn and Ed to Cabo San Lucas. Behind them is El Arco a famous natural rock formation located at the southern tip of the Baja California Peninsula in Mexico. 

On a VIP tour at Daytona International Speedway.

Happy 63rd Birthday! Marilyn celebrates with her grandchildren.

Marilyn gets to pet a cheetah and a lion cub when she and Ed travel to South Africa.

Marilyn and Ed enjoy holidays, like Easter 2014, with Keith, Janine, grandchildren, and Janine's parents.

Marilyn and Ed go to Florida in January. Here Marilyn gets to touch a penguin.

Art at the Dump, third place: Marilyn Olsen of Cornwall, papier mâché animals. Article in the Lakeville Journal.

Hanging out on the deck with friends-for-life from the Organization of Triangle days.

Celebrating her 67th birthday with family at Puerto Vallarta, Danbury, CT.

A visit to New Britain Museum of American Art.

Holding an aligator and feeding a parrot when visiting Mexico.

Happy Birthday Grandma! Marilyn absolutely adores her grandchildren, Kayleigh, Ben, and Miles Parker, while they celebrate her 68th.

Attending a Little Big Town concert in Uncasville, CT.

Thanksgiving at Ed & Marilyn's with Keith, Janine, and grandchildren, Kaleigh, Ben, and Miles Parker.

Marilyn gets to touch the big cats again on another trip to South Africa!

While on this trip to New Hamphire, Marilyn experiences falconry with a redtailed hawk.

Marilyn and some of her Organization of the Triangle sisters during a reunion.

As a part of Ed's emotional fitness, he attends The Equus Effect in Sharon, Connecticut.

Feeding monkeys while in Belize, Marilyn literally has a monkey on her back. 

Dressed to the nines for niece Jessica's wedding.

Having lived a life full of love for family, artistic expression, and adventure, Marilyn Ann Olsen passed peacefully on May 18, 2025.

In August of 2025, Ed attends SongwritingWith:Soldiers® where he and musician Will Kimbrough write a beautiful song about how Marilyn affected Ed's life.