Obituary of Marilyn Elizabeth Debole
ROCHESTER- Marilyn E. Debole, 80, passed away on Thursday, January 29, 2026 surrounded by the love of her family.
Marilyn was born in Batavia, NY on April 3, 1945 to the late Arnold and Virginia (King) Cranston of Basom, NY.
Marilyn spent much of her childhood on the family farm with her siblings. Being the youngest and smallest of the children one of Marilyn’s jobs was driving the farm equipment. She especially loved caring for the animals and her beloved horse, Starlight.
Marilyn graduated from Oakfield-Alabama Central School in 1962. She was a member of the National Honors Society, Drill and Field Hockey teams. Marilyn was also active in the local 4H club throughout school.
After High School, Marilyn attended Alfred Technical Institute earning a degree in Secretarial Studies in 1964. Her first job after college was as the Secretary at the 4-H Camp at Bristol Hills. Shortly after, she moved to Rochester, NY with her sister, Virgina and started her career in the Typing Pool at Xerox.
Marilyn married Raymond Debole November 4, 1967. Together they had one daughter (Marcy) and were very involved with the Elks Lodge, IrondaWanderers Camping Club, Bowling Club, and hosting family events.
As Marilyn’s career at Xerox advanced, she worked as a Parts Planner and enjoyed traveling throughout the US for work. She retired in 2008 completing over 40 years of service with Xerox.
After retirement, Marilyn stayed active by volunteering in the library at Rochester General Hospital, as well as weekly dinners at the Webster/Fairport Elks Lodge, Debole Cousins lunches, and annual travel with friends. Marilyn took pleasure in gardening, RV camping and caring for her beloved Labrador Retrievers, Hannah & Jade.
Later in Life, Marilyn became a grandmother and enjoyed spending time reading with her granddaughter as well as passing on her love of horses.
Marilyn resided at St. Ann’s Memory Care at Cherry Ridge in Webster, New York the last 7 years of her life. She stayed active and enjoyed many of the activities at Cherry Ridge, particularly bingo.
Marilyn was predeceased by her husband, Raymond Debole (2003), and her siblings, Virginia, Raymond, and James Cranston.
She is survived by her daughter, Marcy (Molly) Debole, and her granddaughter, Tinyiko Debole as well as many nephews and nieces.
Calling hours will be at the family home (3290 Culver Road, Rochester, NY) Friday, February 13th from 5-8pm. A graveside service will be held at Holy Sepulchre Cemetery, 2461 Lake Ave., Rochester, NY 14612, on Saturday, February 14, 2026 at 10am. A private gathering for family and close friends will be held following the service.
In lieu of flowers, we ask that you honor Marilyn’s memory with a donation to Lollypop Farm (www.lollypop.org/ways-to-give/), where all of her beloved dogs came from.