Marilynn Felt Forsyth

On December 31, 1951, Marilynn was born the fourth of twelve children to Paul E. Felt and Martha Afton Harris. Most of Marilynn’s childhood was spent in Utah, including time in Provo, Cedar City, and Salt Lake City. Growing up, Marilynn enjoyed a good project, whether it be sewing her own clothes or tending her younger twin siblings, Tammy and Tom. She enjoyed her time in high school, especially being on the drill team and playing the occasional practical joke with her friends. Marilynn attended Ricks College and Brigham Young University. She especially enjoyed the pursuit of learning. She continued that passion by taking piano lessons and college classes throughout her life, including photography, religion, and art history. On July 19, 1974, Marilynn and Steve were married for time and all eternity in the Provo Utah Temple of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. After their time in Provo was completed, Marilynn and Steve began their life together in Houston, Texas. She immediately loved Houston, due to the hot weather and the friendly Texas hospitality. Marilynn and Steve enjoyed living in several places in Texas, including Midland and Dallas, several times over the next 20 years, with a few years in Malaysia and Utah as well. Marilynn especially enjoyed their time living in Malaysia. Living there opened up her interest in traveling, seeing the world, and learning more about different cultures. After their time in Texas, Malaysia, and Utah, Marilynn and Steve moved to Virginia. Marilynn fell in love with Virginia. She enjoyed spending time on the many beautiful running trails, frequent trips to Washington D.C., and going to their lake home at Lake Anna. Marilynn’s greatest love in life was for her family. Her priority was to raise humble and respectful children and she dedicated her entire life to that pursuit. She also valued serving others in very personal ways, and tried to make everyone feel special. Another of Marilynn’s great loves was exercise. She was an excellent swimmer, biker, and an avid runner. Marilynn was diagnosed with esophageal cancer in 2013. Despite the immense pain she suffered, she remained courageous and determined to live a meaningful life dedicated to her family, her friends, and God. Her consistent testimony and belief in Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ was an excellent example to all on what it means to endure to the end. She frequently updated her blog, Running With Cancer, and was a stalwart example of resilience and faith. Marilynn passed away peacefully surrounded by family on May 4, 2016 in Fairfax, Virginia. Marilynn is survived by her loving husband of 41 years, Steve Forsyth, and four children: Troy Forsyth, Stephanie (Forsyth) Syphus and husband Lee Syphus, Justin Forsyth, and Stacey (Forsyth) Wright and husband Brock Wright; five grandchildren: Madelyne Syphus, Taylor Syphus, Emma Syphus, Samuel Syphus and Brooklynn Forsyth; and her siblings: Wendy Stewart, Paul Felt, John Felt, Yvonne Jordan, O’Larry Felt, Ron Felt, Jessie Allman, Kathleen Covey, Tammy Williams and Tom Felt. She is preceded in death by her parents, Paul E. Felt and Martha Afton Harris, and her sister, Betty Felt. The family will receive friends on Sunday, May 8, 2016 at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 2719 Hunter Mill Road, Oakton, Virginia 22124 from 5:30-7:30 PM, as well as on Monday, May 9, 2016 from 11:00-11:45 AM. Funeral services will be held on Monday, May 9, 2016 at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 2719 Hunter Mill Road, Oakton, Virginia 22124 at 12:00 PM. Interment to follow at Fairfax Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the American Cancer Society in her name: https://donate.cancer.org/index.

Marilynn Felt Forsyth

December 31, 1951 - May 4, 2016