Marilyn Ann Dorrence, 77, of Laramie passed away on Tuesday, April 10 at Hospice of Laramie surrounded by her family, following a brave fight with rare cancer.

She was born March 17, 1941, the first child of Albert and Fern Toth, in Rock Springs, Wyoming. While attending Rock Springs High School she met the over of her life, Samuel Dorrence. They married on December 30, 1960 in Salt Lake City, Utah. Marilyn continued her education in Nursing at Holy Cross Hospital, while Sam completed his degrees in Chemistry at the University of Utah. While in Salt Lake City, they had a daughter, Julie, and a son, Michael. Upon Sam’s graduation they moved their family to Corpus Christi, Texas and added another daughter, Maria. In 1967, Marilyn and Sam returned to their beloved Wyoming and raised their children in Laramie.

While the kids were in school, Marilyn worked as a teacher’s aide and attended college. Upon completion of her Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education, she taught 3^rd grade at Linford Elementary School for many years. Her sense of humor and kind heart were contagious, and she was beloved by her students and fellow teachers. Marilyn was known for creating special bulletin boards and decorated windows, and fun classroom decorations for her students.

During their retirement years Marilyn and Sam lived in their “dream” home near the North Fork River in Centennial. They enjoyed sitting on their decks, cherishing daily visits from many wild creatures such as mule deer, raccoons, chipmunks, many species of birds, and the occasional moose and bear. Marilyn was a true advocate for nature and wildlife, and was a lover of all pets, especially cats and dogs.

Marilyn, Sam, and cat Chico enjoyed “snow-birding” throughout Arizona and New Mexico. They also shared many adventures to the British Virgin Islands, Mexico, Victoria B.C., Alaska, Vermont, Oregon, San Diego, Monterrey, and Orlando. Since childhood, their favorite family retreats were Fremont Lake, the Wind River Mountains, and Grand Teton National Park.

Marilyn was an amazing cook and avid reader of books. She maintained numerous friendships, many for over 60 years.

She is survived by her husband Sam of Laramie, daughter Julie and the late Steven Smith of Cheyenne, son Michael and wife Michelle of Bozeman, MT, daughter Maria and husband Kevin Oder of Laramie, grandson Stefan Smith and fiancé Jessica of Heeney, CO, grandson Andrew Smith and fiancé Bri of Cheyenne, granddaughter Monica Smith and dear friend Houston of Cheyenne, granddaughter Gabrielle of Bozeman, MT, and beloved cat Chico of Laramie.

She is survived by her brothers James Toth and Gail of Pinedale, and Greg Toth and Donni of Pinedale, sister and brother in law Susan and Rudy Magagna of Rock Springs, dear niece Tina Russell and family of Lander, and numerous nieces, nephews, and beloved friends.

A private “Celebration of Life” is being arranged. A family wake will take place at Fremont Lake near Pinedale, Wyoming at a later date.

Donations in her memory may be made to one of the following: World Wildlife Fund, The Nature Conservancy, L.A.W.S (Laramie Animal Welfare Society), or a charity of your choice.