Marilyn J. Hughes Kistler passed away on August 4, 2024 at age 93.

Marilyn was a life-long resident of Webster, NY.  She grew up in the Village of Webster.  She is predeceased by her parents, Nellie and John Hughes, survived by her daughter, Amy Finzer (Walworth), brother, William Hughes (of Nevada), grandchildren, Jacob (Georgia) and Sarah Finzer (Oregon), and her long-time friend, Sam.

Marilyn attended Webster High School, was very athletic, and her skills were good enough to make the All County Girls basketball team.

In the 1970s-80s, as a single mom, Marilyn delved deep into her passion for antiques and turned that into a very successful career, where she would eventually host antique auctions with her long-time friend, Sam, at an auction hall outside of Baton Rouge, LA.  She did this several times a year for many years.

She loved gardening, especially her rock gardens she loved to create.  She definitely passed this passion on to Amy, Sarah and Jacob., who all truly love to garden.

In the early years of 2000, Marilyn developed some health issues, breast cancer, mainly Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL), which she fended off like a warrior for 24 years with her dedicated oncology team at Lipson Cancer Center.

She was  proud of the fact that she lived independently and drove her own vehicle until she was 92.

In March of 2024, she decided to discontinue her chemo and infusion treatments, which her family fully supported.  Her health began to decline.  Marilyn was able to stay at home with the caring and compassionate assistance of her dear friend or second daughter and best friend of Amy, Jill Scott.

At the end of March, Marilyn was welcomed with open arms and hearts of the ever so dedicated, compassionate staff and volunteers at Serenity House in Victor, NY.  At Serenity House, she was surrounded with love and kindness, and was able to live the full life she deserved.  In the four months she was at Serenity House, Marilyn and Amy developed some wonderful relationships with the staff and volunteers, which Amy will always be so grateful for.

As a tribute to her grandmother, Sarah, most eloquently shares that her Grammie (Marilyn) was a constant source of light and warmth in our lives, a force of nature whose energy and spirit were as boundless as her capacity to love.  Persevering through endless triumphs, she never failed to illuminate her infectious smile, unwavering courage, and zest for life.  Her motto of “do good” will forever be words to live by and will be carried with us into each day.

As we say goodbye, we know that her spirit will continue to live on in the garden of our memories, in the bloom of every flower, in the rustle of every leaf.  Rest in peace, dear Marilyn.  You will be greatly missed, but your spirit, your love, and your light will forever shine bright in our hearts.

A celebration of life for Marilyn will be held at a later date.

Please consider donating in Marilyn’s name to the Serenity House, Victor, New York and

The Wayne County Humane Society in Lyons, NY