Obituary of Marilynn Mitchell Rinek

Marilynn Mitchell Rinek of Essex, CT died at Essex Meadows on August 29, 2016. Marilynn was born on August 4, 1920 in New York City to James and Emelia (Scheidecker) Mitchell. She attended the Kent Place School and graduated with a degree in Horticulture from the Ambler part of Temple University. Marilynn was married on April 21, 1943 in New York City to Lorenz W. Rinek. After World War II, they moved to the Midwest where they raised five children. Upon Larry's retirement in 1983, they moved to the Oswegatchie neighborhood in Waterford, CT. Marilynn indulged her passion for gardening, becoming a Master Gardener and serving as Unit Chair of the CT Unit of The Herb Society of America. Upon Larry's death in 2002, Marilynn relocated to Essex Meadows in Essex where she spent her final years among friends. She is survived by her five children: Mitchell (Nancy) Rinek of Okemos, MI, Thomas (Linda) Rinek of Aurora, IL, Robert (Marcia) Rinek of Edina, MN, Peter (Cynthia) Rinek of Philomont, VA, and Amy (Martin) Merk of Saline, MI. Marilynn is also survived by 12 grandchildren, 9 great-grandchildren and many other family members and friends. She was preceded in death by her sisters Jean Newbold and Claire Lyon, as well as a granddaughter Emelia Rinek. Her memorial service will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, a donation may be sent to the CT Unit of The Herb Society of America, 45 Sill Lane, Old Lyme, CT 06371, or to the Essex Meadows Scholarship Foundation, 30 Bokum Road, Essex, CT 06426. To share a memory of Marilynn or send a condolence to her family please visit www.rwwfh.com . Arrangements by the Robinson, Wright & Weymer Funeral Home in Centerbrook.