Marilyn Coleman

Marilyn Coleman, 91, of Laguna Woods, California passed away on March 27, 2024, after a long life filled with the loving joy of family and friends. She was born on August 5, 1932, in Chicago, Illinois, to Irving and Lillian (Bleiman) Nudelman. She was the youngest of four, adored in life and preceded in death by her brothers Dr. Melvin Nudelman (Sally), Bernie Nudelman (Esther) and sister Lee Keno (Alan). She married the love of her life Alvin Coleman of Chicago on June 14, 1953, and raised three children – Bob, Dave, and Ellen. Her husband Alvin passed away in 1975 and she became the sole parent and continued to raise them in a loving home instilling strong values of family togetherness. She remained close with her in-laws Sam and Faye (Kuklin) Coleman, enjoying many Sundays with them at their home in Los Angeles. She also remained very close with all of Alvie’s extended family.

Marilyn and Al moved from Chicago to Los Angeles in 1962 and then Fullerton, California in 1964. In 1976, Marilyn moved to Laguna Beach and then to Laguna Woods in 1998. Marilyn had an open-door policy with all of her relatives. Over the years many visited and enjoyed the welcoming atmosphere and fun times poolside and visiting with each other. Marilyn and her family traveled to Chicago and beyond, visiting relatives for vacations, weddings, bar and bat Mitzvahs and other family events. The distance did not interfere with maintaining these lifelong relationships. Aunt Mar was loved by her many nieces, nephews and cousins, remembered by them for being fun and for bringing her unique sparkle to the family.

Marilyn was an artist throughout her life enjoying oil painting, creating stained glass pieces and she found her niche in fused glass. She created numerous pieces using many different colors of glass creating beautiful works she would often give as gifts. Her Laguna Woods home is a gallery of her work.

Marilyn also enjoyed traveling and took trips to explore the east coast during the fall, Hawaii, Mexico, Europe, and Israel. She loved playing games with friends and family and one of her favorites was Rummikub and she could play for hours on end.

Marilyn’s key focus in life was spending time with family and friends and entertaining. She prided herself in cooking and her grandkids could not get enough of her matzoh ball soup and the brisket she served on Passover.  She happily hosted Thanksgiving dinners year after year.

Marilyn leaves behind her son Bob and his wife Colleen, son Dave, and daughter Ellen. She will be sorely missed by her grandchildren Alana, Laurel, Scott, Alex (Shay), Zoe and her great grandchildren Leo, Mira and Lucy, and many nieces, nephews and their families.

The family invites those that knew Marilyn to join us at a graveside service where she will be laid to rest on April 2, 2024 at 2:00 pm at Hillside Memorial Park in Los Angeles. For those not able to attend graveside, we invite you to join via livestream via this link: https://hillsidememorial.livecontrol.tv/80914c09

In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to Planned Parenthood in Marilyn’s memory, honoring her strong belief in women’s rights.