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.