Marilyn K. Lunney
In Loving Memory of Marilyn K. Lunney
With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of Marilyn K. Lunney, a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, and friend. Marilyn peacefully departed this world on February 23, 2025, leaving behind a legacy of integrity, love, and unwavering strength.
Born on January 1, 1935, in Cleveland, Ohio, Marilyn exhibited intelligence, initiative, and perseverance from an early age. Guided by a deep sense of purpose, she pursued a career in nursing and began by caring for veterans at the VA hospital. She met her future husband, Glynn Lunney, at NACA (the precursor to NASA), and they married in 1960. Very soon thereafter, the young couple relocated to Friendswood, Texas so her husband could pursue his dreams in manned spaceflight. Marilyn felt their new home was a land of great opportunity for her as well—one she would help shape in many meaningful ways.
Marilyn was a founding member of Mary Queen Catholic Church and an active force in her community. She served on the Friendswood School Board, becoming its first female president. She later earned her broker’s license, founded her own real estate company to help others find their homes. In 1982, she broke new ground again as the first female Galveston County Justice Court Judge for Precinct 8. She later stepped away from this role to accompany her husband to Southern California for four years, where they made lifelong friends and shared countless adventures. Upon returning to the Clear Lake area, with her children grown, she served as a special justice and filled in for judges as needed. Never one to stop learning, Marilyn earned a Master’s degree in Behavioral Sciences and went on to develop the CLASP program for seniors at the University of Houston-Clear Lake. She believed education was key for all and sponsored scholarships for those less fortunate. Throughout her life, she served on numerous boards and generously gave her time to better the lives of others.
Marilyn’s greatest joy, however, was her family. She was a devoted mother to her four children, Jenny, Glynn, Shawn, and Bryan, who were her pride and joy. She warmly welcomed their spouses—Kyle, Jeri, Becky, and Amori—into the family. Her love then extended to her cherished grandchildren—Abbey, Erin, Christopher, Kendall, Connor, Shea, Macy, Jordan, Daira, Bryce, Drake and Grant—who brought immense happiness to her later years. In her final years, she was blessed with great-grandchildren, Vivian, Emerson, and Boone, with two more on the way. Marilyn treasured every moment spent with her family. Together, they created lasting memories filled with laughter, warmth, and love.
Beyond her family, Marilyn’s kindness, wisdom, and humor endeared her to a wide circle of friends. She had a passion for travel, water-related activities, and adventure. She embraced life with enthusiasm and a generous spirit. Her creativity and dedication left a lasting mark on everyone she encountered.
On Wednesday, March 12, 2025, Marilyn’s family will greet guests for a Visitation from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm with a Rosary at 7:00 pm., at Crowder Funeral Home, Webster, TX. The Funeral Mass will follow on Thursday, March 13, 2025, at 11:00 am at Mary Queen Catholic Church in Friendswood, Texas. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations be made to Mary Queen Catholic Church or University of Houston Clear Lake in her honor, to reflect her lifelong commitment to helping others.
Marilyn K. Lunney’s legacy of love, compassion, and resilience will live on in the hearts of those who were fortunate enough to know her. She leaves behind a world made better by her presence, and her memory will be forever cherished.
Rest in peace, Marilyn. You are deeply loved and will never be forgotten.
oh Marilyn, rest in peace dear friend….we, the Holts, loved our journey in life with the Lunneys from when Marilyn and Glynn lived in Friendswood, and all she did for the community through the schools, town, universities, and church….she was a most dedicated mom, wife, and citizen, and knew how to keep up with each person in her family…we think of you all, the kids, and grandkids now, and how you will miss Marilyn and Glynn…I have great love and respect for you and your family and the care you brothers and sister gave your parents….God be with you; her faith was strong and we know she lives an eternal life…
I met Marilyn for the first time when Jeri (my sister) and Glynn got married. It was an instant friendship. She was warm and loving and kind to all of us at this special time in Glynn and Jeri’s lives. Prayers for the repose of her soul and peace and comfort for the family.
I am so very sorry to hear this. I have such great memories of living next door to you guys on Royal Ct. I think often of some of the “Lunney isms” from our childhood and my heart smiles ❤️
Please know I’m thinking about you and keeping the whole family in my prayers.
Be blessed my friends, Kay
We were sorry to hear of Marilyn’s death. Her Clasp program at UHCL was the inspiration for a Speaker Series at the Nacogdoches Public Library. We previously lived in the Clear Lake area, were transferred to Ohio and retired to Nacogdoches upon our return. Marilyn was so gracious to meet with us in Clear Lake for us to learn more about the Clasp program. So, again she had an impact on another Texas community! We extend our deepest sympathy to her family.
Deed and I were saddened to hear of Marilyn’s passing. She was a force to behold, with passion for all and everyone she loved. We thought the world of both Glynn and Marilyn and take comfort in knowing they are once again together. Sending deepest condolences to all of her family at this sad time.
I was saddened to learn of Marilyn’s death, but know her faith will assure her well-deserved everlasting peace. In addition to my late husband, Don’s, professional association in NASA Flight Control with Glynn, I connected with Marilyn in some community activities. She drafted some NASA wives, including me, for a CLASP presentation at UH/CL on “The Other Side of the Story” in which we shared the family side of the NASA story. She will be missed. My sincere condolences to her family.