Marilyn Loretta Clisson Leak passed away on May 3, 2026, in DeWitt, NY, after a short battle with cancer. She was born March 30, 1943, in Syracuse, NY, to Henry Clisson and Virginia Massett. Because Henry was serving with the U.S. Army overseas in WWII, she wouldn’t meet him until she was almost 3 years old. After the war, the family lived in Munich and Nürnberg, Germany, for a year. They then lived at Fort Leavenworth, KS; Fort Benning, GA; Sarasota FL; Lyncourt, NY; and Eastwood, NY. Marilyn attended Lyncourt School and graduated from Eastwood High School.

Marilyn’s pride and joy were her 8 children and multitude of grandchildren, all of whom she leaves behind: Chris Leak, Matt (Beth) Leak, Margaret Leak, Cathy (Mike) Borella, Andy Leak, Bill (Jessica) Leak, Ray (Mackenzie) Leak, Kristina (Gary) Swem, and 11 grandchildren. She also leaves a sister, Chris Norton. She is predeceased by her parents and her sisters Margaret Robinson and Cathie Dausman.

While raising her children Marilyn led both Cub Scout and Girl Scout troops, taught canoeing, and worked as a price checker for P&C Foods. She enjoyed camping and the outdoors, spending her days cultivating her plants and flowers. She could name every plant, flower, tree, and bush, and would gladly tell you all about them. At night she loved to sit at the fire and sing campfire songs. On clear nights she would point out the constellations, teaching her children their names and locations. Her favorite time of year was that spent each summer vacationing with her sister Cathie and their children at Sackett’s Harbor and Payne Lake. Her children cherish their memories of these times with her.

A Celebration of Life will be held in Marilyn’s memory on July 11 from 4:00 to 7:00 at Murray’s Restaurant and Tavern at 2722 Burnet Ave, Syracuse, NY. There will be plenty to eat, as anyone who knew Marilyn knows she would never let a guest go hungry. Family and friends are welcome to come and share a meal, stories, and fond memories.