Marilyn Gaines

Marilyn “Mary” Gaines was born on March 12, 1945, in Boston, MA, to late Herman Miller of Easton, MD, and Dorothy Miller (Woods) of Syracuse, NY. She would go on to meet and marry Adam Gaines of Butler, AL and have five children. From an Early Age, Marilyn was an exuberant and happy person, always willing to try new things and challenge herself. After marrying, she would earn her GED, work two jobs simultaneously, maintain a lively personal life, and raise her children. Mary had a voracious appetite for horror novels and movies, amassing a large library of classic tales that she read countless times. She also enjoyed spending time with her family; whether it was a caravan of family going to Houghton’s Pond to fight the summer heat, a cookout in the back yard on Gleason Street, or an impromptu dinner at her sister's house, Mary could always be found at the apex of the fun. Being an avid dancer since her youth Mary never hesitated to jump into the fray with her children and learn the latest dance craze even though swing was her absolute favorite style. A hallmark of the Gleason street community, Mary’s home was at times the epicenter for the children on Gleason, feeding, hosting, and guiding them when she was needed. As the head of a large family, Mary knew the importance of maintaining hobbies and having fun which saw her go to bingo twice weekly and the occasional trip. On one such trip to Califonia, Mary was so enchanted by the warm weather and sunshine-filled days that she decided she would move to San Diego in her later years. Mary was content in California for more than ten years until a turn in her health necessitated returning to her home and family in Boston, where she lived until her passing. Mary is survived by her husband Adam Gaines, daughter Jeanette Sylvia, son-in-law Mark Antony Sylvia, son Adam Gaines, daughter-in-law Valerie Gaines, son Albert Gaines, daughter-in-law Janice Gaines, daughter Stacy Gaines, son Darren Gaines, stepdaughter Laticia Gaines, a host of grandchildren, great-grandchildren, her sisters Dorothy Taylor, Judith Hector of California, nieces, nephews, and friends. She will be missed and loved, always.