Marilyn C. Hurst, 86, of Southbury CT (formerly of Longmeadow, MA and Woodbridge, CT) passed away after some recent health issues early on January 30, 2023, with her daughter, Deborah, by her side.

From an early age, Marilyn was a lover of learning. She graduated valedictorian of her high school class, went on to Smith College (BA Chemistry/Botany), and then to Yale University (MS Biochemistry). While at Yale, she married Victor W. Hurst III, a Yale Medical School student. Together, they had three children: Kathryn, Deborah, and Victor IV. Marilyn and Victor would divorce twelve years later.

Marilyn went on to earn degrees from Southern CT State University (BS Math/Computer Science/Ed) and University of New Haven (MBA Finance). She was a Research Biochemist for Yale Medical School, a Math Instructor at Quinnipiac University, then began a Health Management career at Yale New Haven Hospital, followed by Management and Director positions at Baystate Medical Center, MassMutual Insurance, and the Cancer Research Center at University of Hawaii. In addition, she authored many articles and publications, lectured at Yale School of Public Health, was a member of Sigma Xi and Kappu Mu Epsilon, and was active in professional and community organizations (President-National Tumor Registrars Assoc., President-Smith College Club, Treasurer-Yale Club, Junior League, League of Women Voters, Garden Club, to name a few). Once retired, Marilyn was active at the Longmeadow Adult Center. She was also appointed to the Council on Aging, working diligently with the Board to obtain town approval for what is now the new Longmeadow Adult Center. In 2019, Marilyn moved to The Watermark in Southbury to live closer to her family. She was active there as well, running for Residents' Council just prior to her illness. Throughout her 86 years, Marilyn strived to make a difference and did. She also made many dear friends along the way, of whom she spoke fondly and often.

Marilyn was born January 4, 1937, in Chicopee, MA. She was the daughter of the late Henry A. Czelusniak and Kathryn Kibula Czelusniak, both of Chicopee, MA. She is survived by daughters Kathryn Mary (Hurst) Hayden of Coventry, CT, Deborah Hurst Rising and her husband, Benjamin, of Woodbury, CT, her grandchildren Laura Hayden, Wesley Rising, and Charles Rising, sister-in-law Mary D. Czelusniak of Syracuse, NY, niece Anne C. Johnson and her husband, Michael, of Swampscott, MA, nephew, H. Allen Czelusniak III of Syracuse, NY, and great nephews Michael and Daniel Johnson. She was predeceased by her son, Victor W. Hurst IV, and her brother, Major (Retired) H. Allen Czelusniak, Jr.

Marilyn's interests included golf, birds, gardening, local/world news, and trivia. Her smaller pleasures included lobster, ribeye steak, martinis, and solitaire with actual playing cards.

A Celebration of Life service will be held at Munson-Lovetere Funeral Home, 2 School Street, Woodbury, CT 11:00am until 12:30pm, with a service beginning at 11:30am on Saturday, March 25, 2023. Family and friends are cordially invited. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Audubon Society in her name at https://action.audubon.org/donate/make-tribute-gift . Online condolences may be given at www.munsonloveterefuneralhome.com.

Audubon Society of Connecticut
314 Unquowa Rd., Fairfield CT 06824
Web: https://www.ctaudubon.org/donate/