Marilyn F. Woodhull

Age 93, formerly of Elmira and Pine City, passed away peacefully at home on June 11, 2014 surrounded by her loving family. Born December 6, 1920 in Buffalo, NY, the daughter of the late Evelyn Allen Smith and Ulric V. Smith, she lived most of her life in Elmira graduating from EFA.In addition to her parents, Marilyn was predeceased by her first husband of 50 years, Alfred L. Held, her second husband of 17 years, John F. Woodhull, and her only sibling Betty Smith Stevens and her husband Warren. In 1941, Marilyn graduated with her degree in Costume Art & Retailing from the Rochester Athenaeum & Mechanics Institute (RIT). Upon graduation, she worked at S.F. Iszard’s in Elmira as a window display designer and merchandise buyer and later at Gorton Coy.While working at Iszard’s she met her first husband, Alfred Held, who she married on January 31, 1942. She later became a stay at home mom, raising five children together.In 1961, Marilyn began a new career at Westinghouse Corporation and after 22 years of service she retired as a test tube inspector.After Alfred’s death in 1992, she renewed her friendship with John Woodhull, a high school friend.They married on Thanksgiving Day in 1995.She spent her retirement years enjoying her family, her home, her gardens, and her much loved pets, Izzy and Cody.She also enjoyed labeling and dating family pictures and delving into genealogy with her eldest son Kenneth and his loving wife, Joyce. Marilyn leaves behind her loving children, Kenneth (Joyce) Held of Vermont, Alan (Cynthia) Held of Pine City, Jason (Eileen) Held of AZ, Evelyn (James) Laskaris of Horseheads and Bryon Held of Peekskill; along with eight grandchildren, their spouses, and fifteen great grandchildren. Family will welcome relatives and friends at Olthof Funeral Home, Inc. 1050 Pennsylvania Ave. Elmira/Southport, NY from 2 PM to 4 PM on Monday, June 16, 2014. Marilyn's Funeral Service celebrating her life will follow at 4 PM. Reverend David Daniels will officiate. Private interment will take place at Maple Grove Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, those wishing can make donations in Marilyn’s name to the Chemung County Humane Society and CareFirst formerly Southern Tier Hospice and Palliative Care. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home. Her guestbook may be signed in obituaries at www.olthof.com