Marilyn Weal

Marilyn J. Weal, 78, a great lady, wonderful mother, and dear friend passed away peacefully after a lengthy illness on July 5, 2009, at home, surrounded by her loving family. Marilyn was born on February 16, 1931, in Chicago, Illinois at the beginning of the Great Depression and therefore knew the value of a penny. She was the third of four children born to William J. and Lillian (Grady) Mahoney. Her three brothers, Bud, Don, and Gene, loved and teased her greatly. She often mentioned her extended family of 27 first cousins that were a great comfort after losing her father at a young age. Marilyn worked at the phone company and met her husband, Ralph Weal, while working in furniture and design. They married in 1958 and had two boys John and Christopher before moving west to California in 1962. In 1963, they settled in Camarillo where she became a charter citizen when the city incorporated in 1964. They had four more children, Paul, Peter, Matthew, and Jane. The family grew to include three in-laws and eight grandchildren. Family was important to her and she was there for everyone. While growing up in Chicago, Marilyn received much solace from the Catholic Church and after arriving in Camarillo became an active member of St. Mary Magdalen Parish and made many life-long friendships. Marilyn was a firm believer in education and continued her own after being a homemaker for many years. She reentered the workforce to help compile the 1980 Census after attending Ventura College where she graduated with an AA Degree in 1976. She then graduated from California State University, Northridge, with a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology in 1982, and a Master of Arts in Special Education in 1988. She worked as a Special Education Teacher at Ventura College and Camarillo State Hospital until the Hospital was closed in 1997. After retirement, Marilyn became involved in gardening, quilting, weaving, and various social clubs. She made many valued friendships through her memberships in the Camarillo Quilters, Coastal Quilters Guild, Conejo Quilters Guild, Ventura County Handweavers & Spinners Guild, Santa Barbara Fiber Arts Guild, Channel Islands Chapter of the Embroiderer's Guild of America, Friendship Connection 1 & 4. Marilyn loved Masterpiece Theater and home renovation shows. She was an avid reader and loved her local library. Donations can be made in her name at your local library.