Sister Marilyn was born and grew up in Chicago, the first daughter of Ed and Ann Brodd. Two sisters, Nancy and Joanne, followed at seven-year intervals.

She met the School Sisters of St. Francis at Alvernia High School. After graduation in 1956, she joined the community. At reception in August 1957, she received the name Sister Edward Ann.

Sister Marilyn lived her religious ministerial life in education, pastoral roles, and congregational leadership. She taught chemistry at Ryan High School in Omaha, Nebraska, and then math, chemistry, and biology to the aspirants at St. Joseph High School in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. From there, she taught chemistry at the University of Oklahoma in Norman. 

She spent ten years in campus ministry at St. Thomas More University in Norman and the University of Wisconsin in Oshkosh. She served as Director of Adult and Family Ministry at St. Mary Parish in Hales Corners; and was pastoral associate at St. James Parish in Elizabethtown, Kentucky; St. Peter Claver Parish in Sheboygan, Wisconsin; and Maria Linden in Milwaukee.

She served in administration of the School Sisters of St. Francis as Director of Personal Development and as Provincial Team member in the United States Province. 

Marilyn spent her last years in retirement at Sacred Heart, where she was known by both sisters and staff to be calm, respectful, community-minded, with a smile that would bring light to anyone’s day. 

Marilyn valued two descriptions used by a priest she worked with: “Marilyn is a team player, and she expects the team to show up,” and “Marilyn is a joyful noise in the Lord’s congregation.”  Marilyn was a hard worker, and she did try to do it with a joyful heart.

Marilyn, we miss you and we thank you for sharing your life, your goodness, and your talents with us in community, and with the people you served in ministry.