Marilyn was born July 7, 1943 to Ralph and Margaret Cook in Portland, the 3rd of 10 children. She attended Blessed Sacrament Grade School, Mary Crest High School and Portland State University, receiving a BA in Art Education. She went on to teach art and calligraphy at Hillsboro High School, Portland Community College, and Clatsop Community College. Her graduate studies were in drawing, painting, and calligraphy. She spent 7 years studying with Lloyd Reynolds, Oregon's Calligrapher Laureate.

In 1971, she moved to Cannon Beach where she met her future husband, Cleve Rooper. He survives.

Marilyn's art work has been exhibited throughout the northwest including Portland Art Museum, Portland Community College, The Lawrence Gallery, The White Bird Gallery, Cannon Beach Arts Association Gallery, and the Sandpiper Square Gallery. Her works include free-lance projects and commissioned pieces in both public and private collections..

In 1988 Marilyn purchased and operated the Wine Shack where she made many life-long friends, sharing her love of good food and wine. She sold the business in 2000.

Marilyn's other passions was Tai Chi. She studied under Gregory Fong for many years, including twice weekly drives into Portland for classes. She subsequently taught Tai Chi classes in Cannon Beach and Manzanita for many years.

In 2018, she was diagnosed with Lewy Body Dementia and began a nearly seven year battle. She is survived by sisters Carol, Joanne, Janice, Patricia (Dave), Kathy (Mark) and her brother Ken (Diane) and many nieces and nephews. She was pre-deceased by her parents and brothers, Raymond, Robert, and James.

Special thanks to Lower Columbia Hospice and Kim Baldwin for their wonderful care. Marilyn is deeply missed by family and friends alike.

A memorial to be announced.