Marilyn Celeste McConnell died under hospice care at St. Anna’s at Lambeth House on Saturday, March 30, 2025. She was 91 years old. Marilyn was born in 1933 to Mary Celeste Dossel McConnell and Milton Hayes McConnell. After graduation from Hillsborough High School, Marilyn received her R.N. from Orange Memorial Nursing School. She later earned her bachelor’s degree in psychology from Tulane University.
Marilyn was a champion for women and a leader in civil rights advocacy for lesbians. She committed her time, talents, and treasure to the work of the Human Rights Campaign (HRC), Parents and Friends of Lesbians and Gays (PFLAG), the Forum for Equality (FFE), Planned Parenthood, and the ACLU. For many years, Marilyn also wrote columns for Impact, a newspaper serving the New Orleans LGBTQ community, and was one of the founders of Mamou, a local lesbian education and discussion group that has now been meeting bimonthly for over 38 years.
During her professional career, Marilyn was an essential part of Dr. William Waring’s Pediatric Specialty Clinic at Tulane Medical School for many years and later continued her work with children at the New Orleans Adolescent Hospital. She finished her medical career at the Jefferson Parish Substance Abuse Clinic as a Dual Diagnosis Counselor. She also was the proud owner of The Great American Kitty Cat Store for several years during the 1980s, one of her favorite undertakings.
Marilyn was a lover of four-legged critters, whether pure bred or mongrel, rescue or feral, and was Mama to numerous dogs and cats throughout her life, the smallest of which – Peaches – now survives her.
Marilyn was a joyful and beautiful woman – generous, intelligent, kind, inclusive, and simply exceptional. She was a powerhouse, with steel in her spine and warmth in her smile. A much beloved, albeit unwilling, icon.
She was a great athlete, committed to her fitness. From running marathons, to competing in the Senior Olympics in basketball with the Silver Slammers, and finally all the fitness events she could manage at Lambeth House.
This world is a better place because Marilyn lived. Her family and friends, both two and four-footed, shall miss her but will remain filled with the love and care and kindness she gave so generously.
Marilyn is survived by her beloved spouse of 50 years, Dr. Jody Gates, and by her Florida family: sister Ann, nieces Stephanie and Tracy, and their wonderful children and grandchildren.
She is also survived by her numerous New Orleans chosen family, especially her “Wubble” buddies: Bonnie, Carol, Jennifer, Judy, Linda, Mickie, and Regina. Marilyn’s NOLA chosen family even increased (if such were possible!) during the last seven years with the addition of all the new friends she made while living at Lambeth House.
Special thanks to the staff and administration of Lambeth House, especially St. Anna’s, and to Guardian Angel Hospice.
A Memorial Service will be held on Monday, April 7, 2025 at 12 noon in the chapel of Lake Lawn Metairie Funeral Home with visitation from 10 AM until service time. Inurnment will be private.
Memorial gifts may be made to an animal rescue charity of your choice, or the Human Rights Campaign (hrc.org).
To share your fond thoughts, memories, and condolences with the family, please visit the online guestbook at lakelawnmetairie.com.
