Marilyn Claire Comiskey

Marilyn Comiskey (née Maxim), age 80, passed away peacefully with family surrounding her on December 15, 2024. Born on November 8, 1944, she was just three years old when she lost her father, an ore boat captain on the Great Lakes. That death lead to other losses, as her mother struggled to provide for the young family on her own, and Marilyn had to spend periods of time in a home for girls. But—as difficult as her early years were—these hardships helped shape her lifelong commitment to creating a home filled with warmth, shelter, and love. 

That same devotion guided her professional calling as a nurse. After attending St. Joseph Academy and St. John’s College, Marilyn spent decades dedicating herself to caring for patients in the Intensive Care Unit at Fairview Hospital, where her compassionate spirit and gentle healing touch offered comfort to countless patients and their families. 

Marilyn’s only sibling, Phil Maxim, was her favorite person to share a cup of coffee and a cigarette with, and they spent many afternoons chatting at her kitchen table. She was blessed to be reunited later in life with her soulmate, Jim Comiskey, whom she had met decades earlier as classmates at St. Ignatius Grade School. Their marriage brought stability and long-sought companionship, as well as joy from the many rescue dogs she and Jim adopted. 

The center of Marilyn’s life, though, was her children and grandchildren. She spent fifty-six years as a mother creating traditions of tree trimmings and Easter egg hunts, specialty macaroni salads and July 4th cookouts. Every birthday and holiday was an opportunity to celebrate the family that she cherished. 

Marilyn was preceded in death by her loving husband, Jim. She is survived by her brother, Phillip Maxim; her four children, Mark Masony (Terri Rangel), Jennifer Balzer (Mike), Katy Hammond (Eric), and Matt Vincel (Melissa); her stepson, Brian Comiskey (Elizabeth); and her nine grandchildren, Sarah, Mikayla, Giana, Elise, Daniela, Ryan, Landon, Emerson, and Brighton. 

Family and friends are welcome on Friday, January 3, 2025, from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m., St. Raphael Church 525 Dover Center Rd, Bay Village, OH 44140, where a Mass will be held at 11:30 a.m. Inurnment Ohio Western Reserve National Cemetery. 

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Cleveland Animal Protective League at 1729 Willey Avenue, Cleveland, OH 44113 or at https://clevelandapl.org/honor-memorial donations/.

Funeral arrangements entrusted to Slone & Co. Funeral Directors.