Marilyn C. Jones, 86; Active in the New Canaan Community

From the Hoyt Funeral Home.

Marilyn C. Jones of New Canaan, died at her home on Thursday, June 26, 2014, surrounded by members of her family.

She was predeceased by her husband, Gordon L. Jones Jr., to whom she was married for 63 years. 

She was born on February 16, 1928 in Connorsville, Indiana, to Lanah and F. Penn Holter. She spent her childhood years in Anderson, Indiana and after a brief move to Michigan spent her early teenage years in Pasadena, California.

Marilyn attended the University of Oregon at only 16 years old. She skipped kindergarten because as she liked to recall “Her beloved older sister (Janet) had already taught her everything.” She transferred to the University of Southern California in part to be near home because it was during the war but also to join her sister in the Pi Beta Phi sorority house. It was at U.S.C. that she met her husband, Gordon. They were college sweethearts marrying in 1948.

Their first child, a daughter Lanah, was born in California in 1953 and the family relocated to Dallas, Texas in 1957 where her four sons, Lee, John, Penn and Robert were born. The Joneses moved to New Canaan in 1964. 

During her 50 years in New Canaan, Marilyn was one of the community’s most active volunteers. Her first opportunity to make a contribution was as a Braille translator. She became involved in the local schools as a volunteer and extensively at the First Presbyterian Church as a Deacon, Stephen Minister and co-chair of the Communion Committee for several years. Marilyn was a member of the New Canaan Sewing Group, the Philanthropic and Educational Organization, the Garden Club, Pi Beta Phi Alumnae Member, recognized as a Golden Arrow, for over 50 years of participation, member of the New Canaan Field Club, The Woodway Country Club and the Country Club of New Canaan. She also was past Chairman of the Cancer Tea Dance, ran errands for the New Canaan Inn and delivered Meals on Wheels to residences often younger than herself. 

MiMi, as she was known to her grandchildren, was a sports enthusiast attending endless athletic events watching her children and grandchildren compete. She enjoyed watching her beloved U.S.C. Trojans and New York Yankees. In fact she died on Derek Jeter’s birthday who was her favorite Yankee. She participated in all the family fantasy football, NCAA March Madness, Super Bowl and Kentucky Derby pools. 

Marilyn enjoyed multiple bridge groups, tennis, paddle tennis, reading and gardening. Her pride and joy was her garden being pictured in the New York Times when it was selected to be on the Nature Center’s Secret Garden Tour. Many things gave Marilyn pleasure but most of all she loved her family and friends and was a dedicated wife and mother. She looked forward to family vacations spending time with her five children and their families. 

Marilyn is survived by her children, Lanah Jones Holden (John) of New Canaan, Gordon Lee Jones lll (Claire) of New Canaan, John Wesley Jones (Elizabeth) of Fairfield, Penn Holter Jones (Erin) of Santa Monica, Robert Wynne Jones (Flo) of New Canaan and 14 Grandchildren, Taylor and Wynne Holden, Sally, Marcy, Gordon (Gogo), Page and Shafer Jones, Wade and Alexander Jones, Hayley, Whitney and Holt Jones and Maggie and Robby Jones. 

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Philanthropic and Educational Organization New Canaan Chapter N, 3700 Grand Ave., Des Moines, Iowa 50312 c/o Treasurer and the First Presbyterian Church, 178 Oenoke Ridge Rd., New Canaan, CT 06840. 

Service: Friday, July 18 at 11 a.m., First Presbyterian Church with a reception to follow at the church.